Washington, DC – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States has assumed tremendous significance against the backdrop of global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
This state visit, the highest level of diplomatic protocol accorded by the US to visiting leaders, aims to bolster India-US relations and tackle pressing global issues. With a range of ceremonial events and crucial discussions, the visit is poised to shape the Indo-Pacific region and reinforce India’s role on the global stage.
“We know that India and the United States are big, complicated countries. We certainly have work to do to advance transparency, to promote market access, to strengthen our democracies, to unleash the full potential of our people. But the trajectory of this partnership is unmistakable and it is filled with promise.”
Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State.
At the heart of the discussions lies the Indo-Pacific region, where the US sees India’s influence as paramount in countering China’s expanding dominance. India, while initially hesitant to embrace the counterbalance role, has increasingly taken steps to challenge China, including military drills with US forces and active participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) – a strategic forum comprising the US, Australia, Japan, and India.
“What matters to the US is what India does and not what it publicly says about China. It is very clear that Indian governments have seen the US relationship as helpful as they deal with China.” – Tanvi Madan, Director of The India Project at the Brookings Institution.
During the visit, the two leaders will focus on enhancing cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. The recently signed Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology will foster collaboration between US and Indian firms and universities in various sectors, including information technology, space, defense, artificial intelligence, education, and healthcare.
Defense cooperation between India and the US will also be a key point of discussion. With India being the world’s largest arms importer, the US aims to expand its defense sales to India. Potential agreements on the purchase of battle-tested MQ-9A “Reaper” drones and joint manufacturing of fighter jet engines are anticipated.
“Defense cooperation has come a long way… one could argue that the treatment the US gives India is not dissimilar from what it gives to many of its allies.” –
Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center.
While trade remains a significant aspect of the India-US relationship, major trade deals are not expected during this visit. Bilateral trade between the two nations has been growing steadily, with the US currently being India’s top trading partner.
However, challenges persist regarding tariffs and export controls, which both sides seek to address in future negotiations.
“Trade used to be a sore subject, but I think the two sides are approaching trade policy differently today… You can’t look at global supply chain issues without eventually discussing trade.” – Tanvi Madan, Director of The India Project at the Brookings Institution.
President Joe Biden’s administration faces calls from 75 Democratic members of Congress to address human rights issues during Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
Concerns have been raised about rising religious intolerance, press restrictions, shrinking political space, and targeting of civil society groups in India. Human rights groups are planning protests during the visit, highlighting the complex nature of the India-US relationship.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening India-US relations and addressing critical global challenges. The discussions encompass the Indo-Pacific region, technology cooperation, defense collaboration, and trade relations.
While managing divergences, both nations recognize the strategic importance of their partnership in shaping the global order and ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
