Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a state visit to the United States to deepen and diversify the partnership between the two countries. This will be Modi’s first trip with full diplomatic status and the third state visit by an Indian leader to the US. With a focus on expanding cooperation in defence industry and high technology sectors, the visit is expected to pave the way for India to gain access to American technologies that are typically reserved for allies.
The strengthening bond between Washington and New Delhi is evident in the rare invitation for Modi to address a joint meeting of Congress, a testament to the increasing trust and mutual respect between the two nations. The US views India as a vital partner in its efforts to push back against China’s expanding influence worldwide, believing that a stronger India that can defend its own interests and contribute to regional security in the Indo-Pacific is in the US’s interests.
During the trip, Modi will also meet with some of the leading CEOs to discuss opportunities for elevating trade and investment relationships and building resilient global supply chains. Among those scheduled to meet Modi is Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, whose company is seeking to establish a production base in India.
Despite being a valuable partner to the US, India’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused a divergence in opinions between Washington and New Delhi. While India has not condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine and urged both sides to resolve their differences through diplomacy, the US has taken a more forceful stance. However, Modi has defended India’s position, stating that the world has full confidence in India’s top-most priority for peace. He also called for changes to global institutions like the United Nations to make them more representative of the world’s less-affluent countries.
Overall, Modi’s state visit to the US aims to strengthen the bond between the two nations and deepen their partnership in various sectors, while also addressing key global issues affecting both countries.
