New Delhi, (USA Times) - In a significant bilateral meeting held on September 21, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a wide array of topics aimed at strengthening the India-U.S. partnership. The meeting took place in Wilmington, North Carolina, during Modi's visit to the United States for the Quad Leaders' Summit.
Boost For India-US Ties
President Biden praised Prime Minister Modi for his proactive leadership on the global stage, particularly his recent visit to Ukraine, which underscored India's commitment to peace amid ongoing conflicts. The U.S. reiterated its support for India's permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council, recognizing India's growing influence and contributions to international affairs.
During their discussions, both leaders emphasized the deepening of the India-U.S. strategic partnership, which now encompasses various sectors including defense, technology, and clean energy. Modi expressed gratitude for Biden's efforts in enhancing this partnership and noted that their previous high-level meetings have significantly advanced bilateral relations.
Technological Collaboration
A key highlight of the meeting was the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which aims to bolster cooperation in sectors such as space exploration, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications. Both leaders committed to enhancing collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and clean energy technologies.
They celebrated the progress towards a joint NASA-ISRO mission to conduct scientific research aboard the International Space Station by 2025. Additionally, they announced plans for a new semiconductor fabrication plant focusing on advanced technologies critical for national security and green energy applications.
Defense Cooperation
The meeting also marked a milestone in defense ties as President Biden welcomed India's procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft. This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance India's intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
Furthermore, both leaders acknowledged advancements under the U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, which includes co-production arrangements for jet engines and munitions. They also discussed the simplification of tax structures in India to foster a robust maintenance and repair ecosystem for defense equipment.
Clean Energy Initiatives
In line with their commitment to combat climate change, Modi and Biden welcomed joint efforts to expand clean energy supply chains. They outlined plans to unlock $1 billion in multilateral financing for renewable energy projects and highlighted ongoing collaborations in solar power manufacturing.
The leaders reaffirmed their dedication to accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies in India and enhancing cooperation on global supply chains related to clean energy.
Global Health and Development
The two leaders celebrated the launch of a new U.S.-India Drug Policy Framework aimed at combating synthetic drug trafficking and improving public health partnerships. They also discussed the recent establishment of a U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue focused on advancing cancer research and treatment methodologies.
The Modi-Biden meeting underscored a shared vision for a more collaborative future between India and the United States across multiple sectors. The discussions not only reinforced existing ties but also paved the way for new initiatives that promise to enhance bilateral cooperation in technology, defense, clean energy, and global health.
