Media advisory: Expert available to discuss India prime minister Modi's visit to America

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas professor is available to comment on the significance of new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to the United States.

Modi, who was elected in May as leader of the world's largest democratic state, is in the middle of a five-day American tour. He's scheduled to meet with President Barack Obama on Monday to discuss the India-U.S. relationship.

Sanjay Mishra, associate professor of business, said Modi's visit is necessary for a rebooting of U.S.-India relationships.

"Given the election of the Modi government, the U.S. had to do a rebuilding of the fences," Mishra said. "The confidence, enthusiasm and faith in Modi is bound to move things faster in India."

Mishra, who researches and teaches marketing and entrepreneurship, has traveled with KU business students to India to study how U.S. businesses can succeed in a global economy. He said Modi believes this will be Asia's and India's century as India is set on a growth trajectory with a business-friendly government as Modi talks about "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," meaning "inclusive and broad development."

Mishra said potential key issues in the discussion between Modi and Obama will be nuclear power plans, defense purchases, pollution, energy issues, India's infrastructure and U.S. access to Indian markets. Politically, the leaders will likely discuss a strategic relationship to counterextremism and terrorism and a potential democratic counter in Asia to China.

"India is acting as a big player in the continent, so a collaborative effort will help the U.S. and India," Mishra said.

To arrange an interview with Mishra, contact George Diepenbrock at 785-864-8853 or gdiepenbrock@ku.edu.