"India is a vibrant democracy. Anybody that, you know, happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves. And certainly, I would expect strength and health of democratic institutions will be part of discussions." said John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House on Monday.

He also added, "I could go on and on and on. There are innumerable reasons why India certainly matters, not just bilaterally between the two nations, but multilaterally on very many levels."

This statement comes after PM Modi's upcoming US visit triggered criticism from his left-liberal critics citing about the health of Indian democracy under the rule of PM Modi.

A state department spokesperson said, "Our partnership with India is one of our most consequential and the USA looks forward to hosting PM Modi."

PM Modi will be on an official state visit from June 21 to June 24. This is his first state visit since he got into power back in 2014. His previous visits to the US were not classified as "state visits".

Prime Minister Modi is also expected to join French President Emmanuel Macron on July 14 for France's Bastille Day military parade in Paris.