Modi's upcoming visit to U.S. elicits positive response from leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to accept U.S. President Barack Obama's invitation to visit Washington in September is being seen as a positive move not only by the BJP leaders but also by opposition leaders as well.

BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said: "Both countries can together play a positive role in the overall development of the world."

The expected bilateral summit will in all likelihood focus on foreign policies, economic growth and ways to boost ties between the two nations.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said Prime Minister Modi's visit should be seen as an opportunity to not only meet President Obama, but also other world leaders.

Although Modi is expected to focus more on China in the meeting but Communist Party leader Gurudas Das Gupta said that it will not create any pressure on China or any other country.

Another CPI leader, Atul Anjan also said that America cannot deny visa to Modi now because he is the Prime Minister of India.

In 2002, when Modi had just become Gujarat's chief minister, more that 1000 people were killed in Hindu Muslim riots in the state. As a result, Modi was denied US visa in 2005 under a 1998 law barring entry to foreigners who have committed "particularly severe violations of religious freedom."

But in 2010, he was given a clean chit by the Supreme Court and since then it will be Modi's first visit to America.