Why PM Modi's 4-day US visit is so important for India-America ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for his landmark 4-day visit to the United States from Delhi on Tuesday (June 20) morning. This visit is seen as a turning point for bilateral relations, focusing on deeper cooperation in the defence industry and the exchange of high technology.

It is Prime Minister Modi's first state visit to the US during his nine-year tenure. He will attend Yoga Day celebrations at the UN HQ in New York, hold talks with US President Joe Biden, and address the joint session of the US Congress in Washington DC.

Leaving for USA, where I will attend programmes in New York City and Washington DC. These programmes include Yoga Day celebrations at the @UN HQ, talks with @POTUS @JoeBiden, address to the Joint Session of the US Congress and more. https://t.co/gRlFeZKNXR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2023

There are several reasons why Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit is being considered historic:

• It is his first state visit to the US. A state visit is the highest form of diplomatic courtesy extended by one country to another. It is a sign of the close relationship between the two countries.
• PM Modi will become the only Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the US Congress twice. The Prime Minister had earlier addressed the US Congress in 2016.
• The visit comes at a time when the US and India are looking to deepen their cooperation on a range of issues, including trade, defence, and climate change.
• The two countries have a shared interest in maintaining a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and this visit is an opportunity to discuss how they can work together to achieve this goal.

• Modi's US visit is likely to have a positive impact on the relationship between the two countries. Here's what all PM Modi will be doing during his 4-day US visit:

Deepening Indo-US partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his enthusiasm for his visit to the United States, emphasizing its potential to enhance the depth and diversity of the Indo-US partnership.

He regarded the special invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for a state visit as a testament to the strength and vitality of the relationship between the two democracies.

Promoting bilateral cooperation

In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted the significance of his discussions with President Biden and other senior US leaders. These deliberations will not only help solidify bilateral cooperation but also pave the way for collaborative efforts in forums such as G20, Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

Celebrating International Day of Yoga at the UN headquarters

Commencing his visit in New York, PM Modi will celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21 at the United Nations headquarters, accompanied by the UN leadership and members of the international community.

He expressed his anticipation for this special event, commemorating the location that supported India's proposal to establish an International Day of Yoga in December 2014.

Strengthening India-US ties across multiple sectors

PM Modi highlighted the multifaceted nature of the India-US relationship, which encompasses various sectors. The United States is India's largest trade partner in goods and services, with both countries collaborating closely in areas such as science and technology, education, health, defense, and security.

Initiatives like Critical and Emerging Technologies have further expanded cooperation in defence industrial cooperation, space, telecom, quantum, artificial intelligence, and biotech sectors.

Additionally, the two nations are working together to advance their shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Engaging with business and Indian community

During his visit to the US, Prime Minister Modi expressed his intention to meet with business leaders, interact with the Indian community, and engage with thought leaders from diverse backgrounds.

The focus will be on deepening India-US ties in key sectors such as trade, commerce, innovation, technology, and strengthening global supply chains.

Addressing the US Congress and state banquet

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the strong bipartisan support for India-US ties in the US Congress. As part of his visit, he will have the opportunity to address a joint session of the US Congress at the invitation of the Congressional leadership.

Furthermore, he will attend the state banquet hosted by President Biden and the First Lady, alongside numerous dignitaries.

Deals that India will be signing with the US during PM Modi's visit:

Defence

India will sign a deal to purchase 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from the US. These drones are unarmed but can be equipped with weapons and sensors. They will be used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the Indian Ocean region.

India's defence ministry approved the procurement of the drones few days back. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth over $3 billion.

They have a range of over 1,000 miles and can stay in the air for over 24 hours.

Space

India is expected to sign a deal with NASA to collaborate on a number of space projects, including the Artemis program, which is a human spaceflight program that aims to return humans to the Moon.

India is expected to contribute to the program by providing launch vehicles and other support services.

Trade

India and the US are expected to sign a trade agreement that will reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade between the two countries. This will boost trade and investment between the two countries.

Climate change

India and the US are expected to announce new commitments to reduce their carbon emissions. They are also expected to work together on developing clean energy technologies.