Unparalleled USA welcome to the world's most popular leader,
Sri Modiji
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his official visit to the United States on June 21, 2023, upon an invitation from President Biden. The state visit was aimed at bolstering the bilateral relationship between the two countries and expanding cooperation in various sectors. While some challenges and attempts to sabotage the visit persisted, the significance of this trip cannot be undermined. With a packed agenda encompassing symbolism, bilateral talks, and defense collaborations, both leaders are determined to elevate India-US relations to new heights.
The visit commenced with Prime Minister Modi hosting a major event in New York to celebrate International Yoga Day. This global event was attended by diplomats, celebrities and politicians from 180 countries, underlining the growing international recognition of yoga as an invaluable practice for physical and mental well-being.
The usual suspects tried to sabotage the events; there were reports that ISIS & SOROS sought to disrupt the visit. Some mainstream media outlets opposed the visit and criticized India for its human rights record. Despite the efforts of detractors, the event went off without a hitch, underlining the global appeal and influence of Indian culture.
Agenda Talks
President Biden’s decision to host a state dinner for Prime Minister Modi reflected the importance the United States attached to this visit. State dinners are reserved for special guests, and President Biden has only hosted two such dinners during his presidency, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the desire to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden covered a wide range of issues. Key areas of focus included defense cooperation, energy collaboration, trade partnerships, addressing the challenge posed by China, ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ongoing Ukraine war. These discussions aimed to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation on critical matters of strategic importance.
Defense Collaboration: The transfer of critical technology to India
Defense cooperation took center stage during the visit, with the signature of two significant deals. The first deal involves the manufacture of jet engines in India, marking a breakthrough as the United States historically refrained from transferring critical technology in this domain. Reports suggested that General Electric will sign a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, paving the way for India to enhance its defense capabilities and create job opportunities.
The second deal entails India’s purchase of around 30 predator drones from the United States, worth approximately three billion dollars. This agreement not only strengthens India’s defense capabilities but also signals a growing defense trade relationship between the two countries. It marks a significant shift from a time when defense trade between India and the United States was minimal to the current level of over 20 billion dollars, emphasizing the deepening defense ties.
Biden's Benefits from US-India Trade Deal and PM Modi's visit
As President Biden prepares to face Donald Trump in the 2024 elections, attempts to strengthen his mandate are becoming apparent. His foreign policy record has faced challenges, but a visit from Indian Prime Minister Modi and a trade agreement hold potential benefits. The influential Indian-American community, second largest immigrant electoral group, can support Biden’s agenda. India’s recent visit to the USA holds significant implications for the Biden administration’s stance against China as it strengthens strategic partnerships, defense collaboration, and economic ties between the two countries, aligning their interests in countering China’s influence in the region and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In addition, the two countries put an end to their disputes by resolving the six trade disputes within the World Trade Organization (WTO) through mutually agreed solutions.
Key Initiatives and Investments in India-US Trade agreement
India and the US are engaged in bilateral initiatives and investments across sectors. These include Micron Technology’s $800 million investment in a semiconductor facility and Lam Research training 60,000 Indian engineers. India’s defense partnership with the US includes the procurement of MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs, drones and the co-production of GE’s F414 combat aircraft engines, bolstering intelligence capabilities and advancing defense technology. India joined the US-led Minerals Security Partnership, while Epsilon Carbon invested $650 million in the US EV battery industry. Joint task forces focus on telecommunications, NASA-ISRO collaboration in space, and 35 joint research collaborations. Efforts also cover fiber optics, defense partnerships, ship repairs, and the INDUS-X defense innovation ecosystem. People-centric initiatives involve visa renewals, consulate plans, student exchanges, and collaboration in fighting cancer and diabetes.