In the ever-changing international geopolitics, India and the United States have every reason to move closer
Release Date – 12:30 AM, Thu – 22 June 23
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi currently on his first state visit to the United States, there is growing agreement among policymakers that cooperation in the technology sector will be the main driver of bilateral relations in the coming years. Unaffected by changing global geopolitics, the world’s two largest democracies share a natural affinity for each other, a bond that has been strengthened over the decades by the growing contribution of the Indian community to U.S. economic growth . The number of Indian-born CEOs leading tech giants is growing, as is their influence. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, whose 2009 visit was the last state visit to the White House by an Indian prime minister, is credited with giving a big boost to the India-US nuclear deal. During the nuclear deal negotiations, it turned out that key figures of Indian descent in the United States from all walks of life could influence U.S. policy. Now Modi will feel reassured about this again during his visit. The Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) Initiative, announced in May 2022, demonstrates the growing importance of strategic collaborations in the technology sector. iCET covers collaborations in key and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors and wireless telecommunications. During the prime minister’s four-day visit, the focus will be on addressing regulatory barriers and adjusting export controls for smoother bilateral trade and cooperation in key areas.
Amid the hype and expectations, Modi’s visit will surely open a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. He will be the first leader of independent India and the fifth leader in US history to receive more than one speech to the US Congress. Thousands of Indian-Americans are expected to gather on the South Lawn of the White House as Modi is greeted by the nation, becoming the third Indian leader to receive the honor. Modi and President Biden will spend hours together at White House private events, bilateral and one-on-one meetings, state dinners and possibly tech events. A series of agreements are expected to be signed, covering defence, communications, telecommunications and other technology fields, bringing the two countries closer. Modi’s visit coincides with India’s upcoming G20 summit in September, which is of great significance. In a rapidly changing international geopolitics marked by China’s growing hegemony, India and the US have every reason to move closer. For nearly two decades, the two countries have talked about transforming their defense cooperation. Dramatic changes in the Indo-Pacific region and a shared interest in stabilizing the balance of power in Asia are driving a solid defense partnership between India and the United States. It is expected that some high-level announcements related to defense and technology cooperation may be made during the Prime Minister’s visit.
