WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The U.S. expects a “transformational moment” in India ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s upcoming trip to Washington, President Joe Biden’s National Security Adviser said as he downplayed chances for a diplomatic breakthrough in China when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits next week.

“Secretary Blinken’s trip to China will be a significant event, but it’s likely not even the most significant event of next week when it comes to US foreign policy,” Jake Sullivan said. Mr. Blinken will travel to Beijing on June 18 and 19, before Mr. Modi arrives in Washington on Thursday, June 22. Mr. Biden has made deepening ties with India a cornerstone of his efforts to contain China’s expanding influence, with his administration also hoping to persuade India.

In China, one of Mr. Blinken’s objectives will be to manage escalation to ensure that the world’s two biggest military powers do not “veer into conflict”, Mr. Sullivan said. “Vigorous competition requires vigorous diplomacy,” he added.

That visit to Beijing will be the first by a high-ranking official since Mr. Biden took office in January 2021, and comes after he postponed a trip in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew through U.S. airspace.