Biden and Modi hail new era in US relations

The partnership is “stronger, closer and more dynamic than at any time in history,” Mr. Biden told reporters at a joint news conference with Mr. Modi after the two leaders emerged from talks in the Oval Office, where a range of important bilateral and international issues were discussed.

Biden and Modi usher in a new era in US-India relations, image 1 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with President Joe Biden during a State Welcome Ceremony at the White House on June 22, 2023. Photo: AP

The White House rolled out the red carpet

President Biden added that the US-India economic relationship is “booming”, with trade more than doubling over the past decade. Meanwhile, Mr Modi told the US Congress: “Dark clouds of coercion and confrontation are looming over the Indo- Pacific . Regional stability has become one of the key concerns of our partnership.”

After Biden and Modi spoke privately for more than two hours, a joint statement was issued that included maintaining stability in the East and South China Seas, while also emphasizing the importance of international law and freedom of navigation.

“The challenges and opportunities facing the world in this century require India and the United States to cooperate and lead together,” Mr. Biden said as he welcomed Mr. Modi to the White House.

Mr. Modi is seeking to raise the profile of India, the world’s most populous country with 1.4 billion people and the world’s fifth-largest economy. The two countries have announced agreements on semiconductors, critical minerals, technology, space cooperation, defense and trade.

Some of the collaborations are aimed at diversifying supply chains to reduce dependence on China. They have also ended disputes at the World Trade Organization, and India has lifted some tariffs on US goods.

Many important agreements

The US is India’s largest trading partner, but it has much larger trade relationships with China, the EU and its North American neighbors. Biden and Modi will also sign an agreement allowing General Electric to manufacture jet engines in India, through a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics.

Biden and Modi usher in a new era in US-India relations, picture 2 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he takes the podium to address a joint session of the US Congress in Washington on June 22, 2023. Photo: Reuters

US Navy ships in the region will be able to stop at Indian shipyards for repairs under a maritime agreement between the two countries, and India will buy US-made MQ-9B SeaGuardian armed drones.

Under the agreements, US chipmaker Micron Technology plans to build a $2.7 billion semiconductor packaging and testing unit in Mr. Modi’s home state of Gujarat. The United States will also make it easier for skilled Indian workers to apply for and renew US visas.

India also agreed to join the US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration and cooperate with NASA on a joint mission to the International Space Station by 2024.

Mr. Modi has been to the United States five times since becoming Indian Prime Minister in 2014, but this is his first state visit to Washington. After talks at the White House, he will address American CEOs at a reception on Friday.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters, AP)

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