The White House late on Thursday said that there has been no decision yet on whether United States President Donald Trump will attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. “I know that the invitation has been extended, but I don’t believe a final decision has been made,” press secretary Sarah Sanders said in response to a question at the daily briefing.
Sanders added that Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be in India in September “and will begin the dialogue and the process and potential discussion for a presidential visit later in the year”.
Reports earlier had said the White House had not confirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invite for the January 26 celebrations. If Trump does attend, he will be the second US president after Barack Obama to do so.
Mattis and Pompeo will be in India for the ‘2+2’ dialogue to be held with both countries’ foreign affairs and defence ministers. The summit was postponed to September after initially being scheduled for July.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!