With several deliverables at stake, India-US to benefit from Modi-Biden bonhomie
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bound for a state visit to the US on June 22, 2024, and talks are in the offing for a diverse range of domains. Modi’s visit is supposedly to be a catalyst for strengthening India-US ties, which saw some divergence in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the goodwill, mutual trust and admiration imparted by both leaders will bring the nations in tactical proximity.
In a state visit where the leaders of the world’s largest democracy and world’s oldest democracy meet, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are adding a touch of personal warmth by hosting a private meal for Modi before the state dinner. The First Lady will also accompany Modi to a skiing event. After a ceremonial welcome at the White House, Modi will hold a dialogue with Biden, followed by the state dinner, and then attend the joint sitting of the US Congress.
Discussions on different arenas such as trade, higher education, space, telecom, artificial intelligence, civil-nuclear cooperation, mobility, etc. along with a breakthrough on the GE F414 jet engine deal are a part of the deliverables. Emphasis on the increasing importance of values of ‘openness and freedom’ in growing India-US ties will also be featured in the talks.
Image Source: News18
What the diaspora feels about Modi’s visit
The Indian diaspora is gearing up enthusiastically for the Modi visit, reflecting their excitement and also Modi’s popularity in the community. To welcome Modi to the US, Indians from across different sectors and spheres are celebrating by carrying out a ‘India Unity Day’ march in 20 major American cities like Boston, New York, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, etc. “The Indian-American community is very excited for this historical event”, asserts a member of the march. A diaspora event is organized in the Trade Centre, Washington DC, and around 1000 people of the diaspora community are set to attend.
M R Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, asserts that while, in earlier times, India would have keener interests to engage with the US, now the US is equally desirous of engagement with India. Both countries have resolved for strengthened cooperation and equal engagement, delivering positive outcomes in myriad domains. The Indian diaspora is economically and politically significant to the US with its growing influence in policy and politics; whereas it also plays an important role in extending India’s goodwill abroad.
Image Source: NDTV.com
Mobility and Trade
Opening up of more US consulates in India is also on the agenda, facilitating people-to-people links and mobility. The US will also commence the re-issuance of the H1B visas, helping thousands in getting their renewal approved and improving portability among India and US.
India-US trade has been growing at an impressive rate – standing at $191 billion in 2022 in goods and services. However, there are some hindrances in the path in the form of trade disputes in the World Trade Organization. Speedy resolution of these trade related issues is also on priority in the talks.
Difference in standpoints on the Russian invasion
While the divergent stands on the Russia-Ukraine war – both ideologically and politically, have been a thorn in India-US relations in recent times, the focus will be on enhancing the commonalities. The US is assured of India’s adherence to territorial integrity and sovereignty and concerns about human rights violations.
This visit is hoped to have concrete results, boosting ties through new initiatives in some domains and resolving issues in others. The US considers India strategically important as a counter to balance power with China and increase its footprint in the Indo-Pacific. Modi’s maiden visit sends out strong signals to the world, assuring that the ever enhancing India-US ties are here to stay.
