Sunday, November 3rd, 2024

Biden opened his/her heart during Modi visit, this leap in India-US relations is really very long.

New Delhi: The bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden during the recent Quad Summit held in Wilmington, USA have given a new dimension to India-US relations. This meeting is not just a summit, but a proof of the deepening relations between the two countries, which raises hopes of continuing in the future also.

Now it is difficult to ignore India

It has become clear from this conference that India enjoys bipartisan support in America, no matter which party is in power. Former Foreign Secretary and former Ambassador Kanwal Sibal says whether it is Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, the outcome of the Wilmington summit will shape India-US relations in the years to come.

Defining Partnership of the 21st Century

In the joint statement issued after the conference, the US-India comprehensive global and strategic partnership has been described as the defining partnership of the 21st century. This partnership is working on an ambitious agenda to serve global interests. In this, the progress of the US-India major defense partnership has been praised, calling it a pillar of global security and peace.

New chapter of cooperation between India and America

Kanwal Sibal, who has been India’s ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia, believes this is somewhat of a boast as India is not a military ally of the US and alliances like NATO are more important pillars of global security for the US. Nevertheless, India-US defense cooperation has achieved significant dimensions.

➤ Biden told Modi that the US supports India’s efforts to reform global institutions, including India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). But America has separately clarified that it is against giving veto power to new permanent members.

➤ Both leaders appreciated the success of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). The initiative deepens and expands strategic cooperation in key technology areas including space, semiconductor, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, biotechnology and clean energy.

➤ Both countries highlighted efforts to strengthen cooperation with like-minded partners through the Quad and the US-India-South Korea trilateral technology initiative launched earlier this year. This initiative is to create a more secure and resilient supply chain for critical industries.

➤ Both India and the US have vital interests in the security of free movement and trade. In this context, security of important sea routes in the Middle East is also very important. India will co-lead Joint Task Force 150 in the region next year. There is special mention of this in the joint statement.

➤ There has been a call to redouble efforts to remove export controls, increase high technology commerce, and reduce barriers to technology transfer between India and the US. But technology security will also be kept in mind. So far, progress in this area has been slow because there are many barriers to technology transfer in the US.

➤ New arrangements for deeper cyberspace cooperation through bilateral cyber security dialogue, expansion of manufacturing and deployment of clean energy including solar, wind and nuclear energy, and development of small modular reactor technology are areas where India and the US have mutually cooperated. Have decided.

➤ Many new initiatives have been announced in the joint statement regarding the technology sector. An important agreement for setting up a new semiconductor manufacturing plant has been appreciated. The plant will focus on advanced sensing, communications and power electronics for national security, next generation telecommunications and green energy applications. This can be a big step for India.

➤ Biden and Modi appreciated the joint efforts made to facilitate a resilient, secure and sustainable semiconductor supply chain. This also includes setting up of Global Foundries’ power center in Kolkata. he/she also appreciated the new strategic partnership between the US State Department and the India Semiconductor Mission.

➤ The two leaders welcomed the launch of the first joint effort by NASA and ISRO to conduct scientific research on the International Space Station in 2025.

➤ To enhance collaboration between the research and development ecosystem (R&D ecosystem) of the US and India, both sides plan to raise more than $90 million in US and Indian government funding over the next five years. This will support high-impact research and development partnerships between universities and research institutes in the US and India.

➤ The joint statement also mentioned significant progress in the field of defense procurement. Biden welcomed the progress on India’s procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment. They highlighted ongoing cooperation to pursue co-production arrangements for jet engines, ammunition and ground mobility systems.

➤ Modi and Biden have appreciated the defense innovation cooperation between the governments, businesses and academic institutions of the two countries. They welcomed efforts to deepen military partnerships and operational capabilities to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

➤ The joint statement also discussed other important issues such as building clean energy supply chains, digital development partnerships and strengthening supply chains for critical minerals. Sibal says, ‘It is clear that the Modi-Biden summit was well prepared to deliver, with progress on many fronts, especially on technology cooperation in many areas.’

Biden kept praising Modi after praising him/her

President Biden has praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on the global stage, especially at the G20 and the Global South, and his/her commitment to strengthening the Quad. Biden said India is at the forefront of efforts to find solutions to the most challenging problems, from the COVID-19 pandemic to dealing with the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world. Biden also praised Modi’s historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades. he/she praised the message of peace and continued humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Some concerns in India-US relations

The joint statement emphasizes the promotion of democracy, freedom, rule of law, human rights, pluralism and equal opportunities for all. But the good thing is that America does not see itself fully meeting these criteria. That is why the statement said, ‘As our countries move towards becoming a more perfect union.’ In this sentence it is our country and not India. That means America is pointing fingers towards India while accepting its shortcomings.

Amidst the deepening relations between India and America, the issue of not curbing pro-Khalistan elements in America, the arrival of these elements in the White House just before Modi’s visit, the summons issued to India’s National Security Advisor regarding the Pannu case and There are also some concerns about America’s role in regime change in Bangladesh.

Whatever happens, India-US relations on new dimension

Former Ambassador Kanvil Sibal says that despite all this, there is currently an incredible level of trust and cooperation between India and America. This becomes clear if we look at the limited cooperation and distrust between 1947 and 2005 (from India’s independence to the signing of the nuclear deal with America).

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