The White House is not making plans for President Joe Biden to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations next month, according to people familiar with the matter, a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to showcase the growing ties between the countries and bolster his image ahead of elections next year.
Modi invited Biden to the Jan. 26 events, but the White House had not confirmed if the US president had accepted. The trip is unlikely to take place, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity. But the final decision rests with Biden, who already has other international trips scheduled for next year, an election year when domestic travel also increases.