United States President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on June 22, 2023, in Washington. Modi’s visit to Washington is significant in many aspects. Firstly, it holds symbolic importance as it is Modi’s first official visit to the United States since 2009.[1]
Furthermore, it has been a strategic visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. The statements of both leaders, along with defense and trade agreements, signify the beginning of a new phase in the bilateral relationship. During the meeting, Biden used the expressions “two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers,” while Modi stated that “regional stability has become one of the core concerns of our partnership.”[2] Agreements were reached between the two parties on semiconductors, critical minerals, technology, space cooperation, and defense collaboration.
The visit in question has also resolved some disputes within the framework of the World Trade Organization, with India lifting certain tariffs on US goods. It is known that the two countries have close ties in terms of trade partnership, making every step in this regard crucial. Additionally, India has agreed to join the US-led Artemis Accords in space exploration and to collaborate with NASA on a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.[3] It is worth mentioning that India joined the 14-member Indo-Pacific Economic Framework led by the US in May 2023.
As a result, Modi’s visit, due to its content and areas of cooperation, has led to the use of the discourse of a “new era” and a “turning point” in the bilateral relations between the two countries. Other agreements reached between the parties can be listed as follows:[4]
- Through an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics, General Electric has been allowed to produce jet engines in India to provide power to Indian military aircraft.
- Under a maritime agreement, US Navy ships can dock at Indian shipyards for repairs, and India will procure armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles from the US.
- The US company Micron Technology is planning to build a $2.7 billion semiconductor testing and packaging unit in Gujarat.
- The process of obtaining and renewing US visas for skilled Indian workers will be facilitated.
- The Critical and Emerging Technology Partnership Agreement will facilitate collaboration between US and Indian companies and universities in various sectors, including information technology, space, defense, artificial intelligence, education, and healthcare.
It should be noted that the US needs India in the global struggle against China. The high-level reception and attention given to Modi in Washington are a reflection of this. In fact, a state dinner was held in Modi’s honor, a gesture that was previously reserved for leaders of France and South Korea. This indicates the desire of the White House to elevate its relations with the New Delhi government to higher levels, making the visit interesting and significant.
In this context, we can see an example of the strategic moves of the US in global politics. India’s closer ties with Russia and its purchase of the S-400 air defense system have prompted the Biden administration to take action in strengthening ties with New Delhi.
It is important to emphasize that India’s actions and policy preferences are shaped within the framework of a multifaceted foreign policy approach. New Delhi not only aligns with Washington but also implements strategies in response to global developments.
In pursuing its goals of maintaining an independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy, India’s steps sometimes lead to disagreements with the US. For example, New Delhi has been establishing various partnerships and enhancing dialogue with Moscow, particularly since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. The two countries have also elevated their energy cooperation to a significant level during this process. Therefore, while the Biden administration may desire a India that stands by its side, Modi continues to take steps in line with a multifaceted foreign policy strategy.
Despite all the challenges, the said visit will have a positive impact on the New Delhi-Washington relations. The agreements reached during the visit also indicate this. Additionally, regional and global developments show that the China factor will continue to be a key dynamic in shaping US-India relations.
Finally, besides its global implications, the visit can also be seen as having significance for the internal politics of both countries. The year 2024 will be marked by election processes in both nations. Therefore, Modi’s visit and the agreements reached between the two sides will also influence public opinion in their respective countries.
In conclusion, Modi’s visit is important in terms of highlighting the priorities of the US, the strategy of India, and the policies of both countries. Moreover, the visit has revealed that a new era in India-US relations is about to begin.
[1] “Modi’s White House visit Highlights Deep Diaspora Divides”, NBC News, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/modis-white-house-visit-highlights-deep-diaspora-divides-rcna89275, (Date of Accession: 23.06.2023).
[2] “Biden, Modi Hail New Era for US-India Ties and Tout Deals”, English Aawsat, https://english.aawsat.com/world/4397351-biden-modi-hail-new-era-us-india-ties-and-tout-deals%C2%A0, (Date of Accession: 23.06.2023).
[3] “Biden, Modi Hail New Era for US-India Ties and Tout Deals”, TBS News, https://www.tbsnews.net/world/biden-modi-hail-new-era-us-india-ties-and-tout-deals-654782, (Date of Accession: 23.06.2023).
[4] Ibid.
