DHAKA: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold two days of meetings with President Barack Obama in his first visit to the US since being banned in 2005, US officials have confirmed.

Mr Modi will visit the White House on 29-30 September.

The two leaders are expected to discuss issues "to expand and deepen the US-India strategic partnership".

Mr Modi was denied a US visa in 2005 after religious riots in the state where he was chief minister.

Mr Obama was looking forward to working with Mr Modi to "fulfil the promise of the US-India strategic partnership", said a White House statement.

"They will discuss ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security co-operation, and collaborate in activities that bring long-term benefits to both countries and the world," it said.

"They will also focus on regional issues, including current developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, where India and the United States can work together with partners towards a positive outcome."

Source: BBC

BDST: 0834 HRS, SEP 09, 2014