First State Visit Scheduled: Obama's to Host India's Singh

President Obama talks with Indian Prime Minister Singh during a working dinner at the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, PA. Sept. 24, 2009. (WH Photo)

The President and First Lady will host their first State Visit next month for Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

In a statement, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the visit would, "highlight the strong and growing strategic partnership between the United States and India, and the friendship between the American and Indian people."

State visits are the highest form of diplomatic interaction between two countries.  Typically, the visit includes a formal South Lawn arrival and a state dinner.

President Bush hosted 8 such visits during his Administration.

Click "more" to read the full announcement from the White House

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2009

Statement by the Press Secretary on the visit of Prime Minister Singh of India to the White House

President Obama will host Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India at the White House on November 24 for an official state visit. This visit will be the first state visit of the administration and will highlight the strong and growing strategic partnership between the United States and India, and the friendship between the American and Indian people.

During the visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of global, regional, and bilateral issues of shared interest and common concern. The two leaders will also likely discuss the strategic dialogue that was launched in July and review progress made in the dialogue.

President and Mrs. Obama will also host Prime Minister Singh and Mrs. Kaur for an official state dinner on the night of November 24.

President Obama looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Singh to Washington and working with him to strengthen and enhance their partnership for the benefit of the people of both nations, and the world.