Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama will hold their first formal meeting at the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday morning.
However, in a development that has piqued many, the White House has not yet scheduled a press briefing with the two world leaders.
Vice-President Joe Biden and secretary of state John Kerry are expected to host a lunch at the Foggy Bottom headquarters in the state department for the Indian Prime Minister.
As per the White House schedules for Tuesday, President Obama and Indian PM Modi will meet at 10:55am at the Oval Office. The two leaders in their first official high-level talks are expected to lay down a plan for a strategic partnership between the two countries.
There is much anticipation in the media over the relations between the two leaders, especially since Modi had been barred from the US until four months ago.
White House correspondent Steven Dennis was the first to point out that a press briefing by the two leaders has not been scheduled.
Huh. No Modi-Obama press conference. Guidance says just a pool spray in the Oval. pic.twitter.com/XtGW0hxJT2
— Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) September 29, 2014
In reply to the tweet, another White House correspondent Jared Rizzi @JaredRizzi asked: "Are you surprised?"
To which Steven Dennis @StevenTDennis said : "India has 1.25 billion people. We have 317 million.These guys can't answer 2 questions each?"
Another journalist Sidi @sidi88 observed: " Maybe there's isn't enough traction yet between the two leaders to do a coherent press conference."
Steven Dennis @StevenTDennis then replied: "Probably what they are thinking. Why risk awk."
Awaiting for Bhagavad Gita !! Modi Will Seat on That Empty Chair; Oval Office at White House. pic.twitter.com/0pwZu3SNrh — NewsFirst (@newsfirstlive) September 29, 2014
A DNA report recently noted that during the meeting at the Oval office, the United States will make efforts to "reinvigorate" the strategic partnership between the two countries.
A White House statement prior to Modi's visit had stated the leaders 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.