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PRIME MINISTER’S STATE VISIT: ITS IMPLICATIONS

The recent state visit of the Indian Prime Minister to the United States has marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The visit, characterised by various notable developments and decisions, has implications for both the optics and substance of the India-US partnership.

Bipartisan Support

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The visit signifies a deepening of the relationship and highlights the importance both countries attach to bilateral cooperation. It is worth noting that state visits by foreign leaders to the U.S are rare, further emphasising the significance of this occasion. President Joe Biden’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi reflects the growing importance of India as a strategic partner in the region and beyond.

The invitation extended to Prime Minister Modi to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress for the second time underscores the bipartisan support for the India-US relationship. This honour, historically reserved for few global leaders, demonstrates the acknowledgement of India’s growing stature on the global stage.

However, it is important to note that certain opposition and concerns were raised by some members of the U.S. Congress, highlighting the divisions within the Indian-origin diaspora community in the U.S.

Some voices in India suspect the U.S.’s reliability as a strategic defence partner. The U.S. narrative on the reliability issue is that while this may have happened in the 1960s and 1970s, things are different now.

Indian Origin Diaspora

The state visit also brings attention to the mainstreaming of the Indian-origin diaspora in the United States. Over time, various ethnic groups that have immigrated to the U.S. have initially faced marginalisation but eventually integrated into mainstream society. The Indian American community has now achieved prominence in U.S. politics, the economy, and society, with individuals of Indian origin holding key positions in the U.S. administration and major corporations. This mainstreaming presents both challenges and opportunities for the community and the India-U.S. relationship.

Focus On Critical And Emerging Technologies

A significant outcome of the summit was the decision to advance the Partnership on critical and emerging technologies. This groundbreaking agreement encompasses cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, biotechnology, space, and semiconductors. In contrast to its approach towards China, it is noteworthy that the U.S. administration expressed its willingness to part- ner with India on advanced technologies. The bilateral mechanisms established between the two countries have been actively working since January, paving the way for enhanced cooperation.

Defence And Space Cooperation

The state visit also witnessed progress in defence and space cooperation between India, and the U.S. Clear signals were sent regarding the willingness to facilitate the transfer of defence technologies and increase cooperation in defence production. Discussions on a defence industrial cooperation roadmap and security of the supply chain further strengthen defence ties. Notably, the joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024 and India’s participation in the Artemis accord opens avenues for collaboration in the space sector with France, Israel, and Japan.

Some voices in India suspect the U.S.’s reliability as a strategic defence partner. The U.S. narrative on the reliability issue is that while this may have happened in the 1960s and 1970s, things are different now. The U.S. took a position to support India during the Kargil conflict. The U.S. was instrumental in getting India an exemption from the IAEA Nuclear Suppliers Group the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, enabling India to buy nuclear reactors from France and the Russians.

Even during the 2020 Galwan crisis with China, U.S. shared intelligence and authorised the lease of predator drones. More importantly, the top Indian lead- ership is far more willing to move in a certain direction sensing the global play. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal before the visit, Prime Minister Modi remarked that there was “an unprecedented level of trust between the leaders of the two countries.”

The Role Of The Indian Private Sector

In light of the strategic convergence and focus on technology, the Indian private sector now has an opportune moment to step forward and actively engage in the India-U.S. partnership. Technology partnerships, production sharing, and the creation of supply chains are crucial components of the emerging relationship. The strategic trade dialogue, led by the foreign secretary on the Indian side and jointly headed by the undersecretaries of state and commerce on the U.S. side, emphasises the involvement of government, industry, and academia in advancing cooperation.

Conclusion

The state visit of the Indian Prime Minister to the U.S. has brought the India-US relationship to a new level. The visit showcased the deepening strategic convergence, highlighted by key decisions in critical and emerging technologies, defence cooperation, and space exploration. The mainstreaming of the Indian-origin diaspora in the U.S. adds another dimension to the relationship. Moving forward, it is imperative for governments, industry leaders, and academia to collaborate closely, identify opportunities, and address obstacles to leverage the full potential of the India-US partnership in technology and beyond.

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