Calling America a “vital partner” of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that his US visit would mark a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“I look forward to meeting President Barack Obama over two days in Washington DC. This will be my first meeting with him. His life's journey is a remarkable testimony to the rights and opportunities that democracies provide, and an inspiration for people around the world,” Modi said in a statement issued shortly before leaving to the US.

Modi will first travel to New York, where he will address the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday. He will reach Washington DC on Monday where Obama will host a  private dinner at the White House. The two leaders will have a formal meeting on Tuesday.  

“Working together, and with others, we can bridge the many divisions of our times and contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world,” Modi said on Thursday.

The prime minister identified education, skills, research, technology and innovation as areas with rich possibilities for Indo-US cooperation.

Sources said here that the Modi-Obama meet might result in significant outcomes for bilateral cooperation in areas like trade, investment, energy, science and technology, defence and maritime security.

“Shared values, convergent interests and complementary strengths provide the foundation for natural partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies,” he said.

Modi said he would discuss with Obama how India and America could use the strength of all that they shared and all that they had built so far to take the relationship to a new level in the interests of the two countries and the betterment of the world. 

“I am confident that the visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in our strategic partnership,” Modi added.