From June 21st to June 24th, 2023,[1] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a highly anticipated visit to the United States. This historic visit was a turning point in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, establishing stronger ties in a variety of fields. With both countries recognizing the importance of their strategic partnership, the visit served the promise of influencing the future of collaboration and cooperation on global challenges.
THE VISIT
On June 21, the Prime Minister led the celebration of International Day of Yoga at the United Nations headquarters in New York, imploring people to “join hands together to realize the goal of one earth, one family, one future.”[2] PM Modi addressed a joint session of the United States Congress on June 22. Following that, PM Modi met with President Biden at the White House to discuss issues of mutual interest.[3] PM Modi commented at a press conference when the leaders took questions from one reporter from each side, with Biden by his side, that “democracy is in our DNA” and that “there is absolutely no question of discrimination” regardless of “caste, creed, religion, or gender.”[4] Before departing for Egypt, he addressed the Indian diaspora, “It has been decided that now, renewal of H1B Visa will not require one to move out of America.”[5]
THE OUTCOMES
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States sparked widespread interest as well as raised expectations for closer bilateral collaboration. The 58-paragraph joint statement issued during the visit highlights areas of convergence while acknowledging differences between India and the US. It covers the domains of technology, defense, space, climate, economic investments, trade, education, health, people-to-people links, and strategic convergences across geographies, platforms, and institutions. [6]
Collaboration in Technology, Space, and Supply Chain
The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and the Strategic Trade Dialogue[7] exhibits a commitment to exploring prospects for technology transfer and enhancing high-technology commerce. Agreements on space programs, the semiconductor supply chain, and advanced telecommunications emphasize the intention of promoting joint innovation and research in cutting-edge industries. Furthermore, the establishment of a Joint Indo-US Quantum Coordination Mechanism represents a commitment to collaborate in the field of quantum information science and technology.[8]
Deepening Defense Cooperation
The Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the launch of the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) demonstrate the commitment to joint defense technology innovation, co-production of advanced defense systems, and collaborative research and development. [9]
Condemnation of Terrorism and Extremism
Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations was strongly condemned by India and the United States. They advocated for a united front against UN-listed terrorist organizations and cross-border terrorism. While the current arrangement is positive, the US’s long-term stance to Pakistan remains ambiguous, potentially providing challenges to long-term counterterrorism cooperation efforts. [10]
DISAGREEMENTS
When relations between two countries are as extensive and complex as those between the United States and India, there will always be some points of disagreement. Some of these areas of agreement between India and the United States include India’s firm, balanced stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including India’s rising imports of Russian oil, and America’s continued support to Pakistan for servicing and upgrading its F-16 fleet, among others.[11]
While Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the United States is being hailed as a pivotal moment that significantly influenced the course of relations between the two nations, the portrayal of Modi by the US Media was largely negative. For instance, the headline of a guest opinion piece in the New York Times titled “Narendra Modi Is Not Who America Thinks He Is” by Harvard history professor Maya Jassanof laid out a strong critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing India’s falling press freedom rankings, claims of religious persecution, the spread of Hindu Nationalism, and PM Modi’s political history.[12]
CONCLUSION
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States demonstrated expanding ties between India and the United States, with an emphasis on cooperation in a variety of strategic areas. The United States regards India to be a crucial ally in defining the geopolitical landscape and resisting China’s aggression. On the other hand, India desires technological advancement and economic prosperity while maintaining its own autonomy in global affairs. As the two countries’ relationship develops, it is critical for India to remain vigilant about potential barriers to technology transfer and to continue developing indigenous capabilities. Overall, the visit was a historic turning point in Indo-US ties, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration while also acknowledging the need for further development and mutual understanding.
[1] Explained Desk, “Narendra Modi invited to the US on a state visit: What are state visits? ,” The Indian Express, May 12, 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/narendra-modi-the-us-state-visit-8603499/. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[2] David Brunnstrom, “Modi calls for ‘one earth, one family, one future’ at U.N. yoga event,” Reuters, June 22, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/india/modi-calls-one-earth-one-family-one-future-un-yoga-event-2023-06-21/. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[3] “PM Modi US visit: Dates, full schedule, events, agenda, and more,” Forbes India, June 20, 2023, https://www.forbesindia.com/article/news/narendra-modis-us-visit-full-schedule/85945/1.( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[4] Express Web Desk, “ Modi’s US trip concludes: Key things PM said on his first state visit,” The Indian Express, June 24, 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-us-visit-important-quotes-8683732/. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[5] Ibid
[6] “India-USA Joint Statement during the Official State visit of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to USA,” Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, June 23, 2023, https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/36711/IndiaUSA+Joint+Statement+during+the+Official+State+visit+of+Prime+Minister+Shri+Narendra+Modi+to+USA. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[7] Ibid
[8] Prashant Jha, “With a historic joint statement, India and US inaugurate a new chapter in ties,” Hindustan Times, June 24, 2023, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/with-a-historic-joint-statement-india-and-us-inaugurate-a-new-chapter-in-ties-101687549642682.html. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[9] “India-USA Joint Statement during the Official State visit of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to USA,” Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, June 23, 2023, https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/36711/IndiaUSA+Joint+Statement+during+the+Official+State+visit+of+Prime+Minister+Shri+Narendra+Modi+to+USA. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[10] Prashant Jha, “With a historic joint statement, India and US inaugurate a new chapter in ties,” Hindustan Times, June 24, 2023, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/with-a-historic-joint-statement-india-and-us-inaugurate-a-new-chapter-in-ties-101687549642682.html. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[11] Ashok Sajjanhar, “PM Modi’s US visit lights up new pathways of partnership,” Indian Narrative, June 29, 2023, https://www.indianarrative.com/opinion-news/pm-modis-us-visit-lights-up-new-pathways-of-partnership-146457.html. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[12] Pranay Dutta Roy, “’Not Who America Thinks He Is’: How Did Foreign Media Cover PM Modi’s US Visit? ,” The Quint, June 23, 2023, https://www.thequint.com/opinion/prime-minister-narendra-modi-how-did-foreign-media-cover-pm-modis-us-visit#read-more. ( Accessed on July 6, 2023)
Authored by : Ananya Tomar, Research Intern, USI, CS3