U.S. Ambassador Nancy J. Powell on Thursday met with Gujarat Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar.
"This meeting was part of the U.S. Mission’s outreach to senior leaders of India’s major political parties in advance of the upcoming national elections," said an official US release.
The meeting took place at Modi's residence at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The move signals the end of Washington's nine-year boycott on Modi.
During her visit to Gujarat, Powell will meet with representatives from non-governmental organizations and U.S. and Indian businesses.
Her discussions focus on the importance of the U.S.-India relationship, regional security issues, human rights, and American trade and investment in India.
"The United States and India are moving forward with a strategic partnership that is broad and deep. Starting last November, Ambassador Powell has shared and listened to views on the U.S.-India relationship," said the US release.
"She continues to emphasize that the U.S.-India partnership is important and strategic, and that the United States looks forward to working closely with the government that the Indian people choose in the upcoming elections," it said.
The US had first denied Modi a visa in 2005 over allegations that his government did nothing to stop the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Modi has also not applied for a US visa since the denial.