Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, June 22: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a 3-day state visit to the United States, was given a grand welcome on Thursday with a 19-gun salute and playing of the national anthems of both the countries at the south lawns of the White House. Welcoming PM Modi, President Biden said, “We have spent a lot of time together, since I was Vice President… Given the situation of the world, it is essential that India-US work together”.
Thanking President Biden, Modi said: “The ties between India and the US are based on the democratic values. The constitutions of both countries begin with the words ‘We the people.’ Both nations feel pride in our diversity… In the post-Covid era, the world order is taking a new shape. For global good, world peace and stability, we are committed to working together.”
“India and the US are in the process of eradicating poverty, addressing climate change, extending healthcare and ensuring food security… All this matters for America, for India and for the world… The decisions we make today are going to impact the future,” President Biden said.
At the bilateral talks held soon after Modi’s arrival, Biden said India and the US could shape the course of the 21st Century. “Two great nations, two great powers, two great friends can define the course of the 21st century,” Biden said.
Modi arrived at the White House on his first state visit, initiating high-level talks aimed at bolstering the burgeoning Indo-US strategic ties in areas such as defence, space, clean energy, and advanced technologies. The US President highlighted the importance of the decisions both countries make today and their impact on future generations. He noted that the US and India are working closely on a range of critical issues, including healthcare, climate change, and the challenges arising from Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
Biden also acknowledged the importance of religious freedom as a core principle for both nations. “Equity under the law, freedom of expression, religious pluralism and diversity of our people — these core principles have endured and evolve, even as they have faced challenges throughout each of our nations’ histories,” he said during the ceremonial welcome.
Modi, who was scheduled to address the US Congress later in the day, said, “This afternoon, I will have the opportunity to address the US Congress for a second time. I am thankful for that… I wish that India’s tricolour and America’s star and stripes keep touching new heights.”
Through the day, several big-ticket announcements were made that ranged from defence cooperation to space expedition, which are expected to deepen the ties between the two nations. Sources said visa rules have been tweaked and both nations will open an extra consulate, it has been decided.
General Electric’s aerospace arm has announced that it has teamed up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to make fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force in India. The US has never allowed the transfer of this level of technology to anyone and the manufacturing unit is expected to be transformational for Indian airspace.
In a big push for “Make in India,” Modi has invited Micron Technology, a prominent American chip maker, to set up an assembly plant in the country. The Micron semiconductor test, assembly plant will come up in Gujarat with total investment of $2.75 billion. Semiconductors are essential for computers, household appliances, cameras, phone and even pacemakers.
India and the US are set to announce H-1B visa processing changes and open new consulates, sources said. A percentage of workers will be able to renew their H-1B visas in the US without having to return to India. The sixth Indian consulate in the US will come up in Seattle and will also cover Alaska.
Modi’s visit is aimed at further strengthening the growing Indo-US strategic relations in areas like defence, space, clean energy, and advanced technologies. The leaders held a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office before holding delegation-level talks.
In anticipation of the talks, Modi tweeted, “Looking forward to today’s talks with @POTUS @JoeBiden. I am confident our discussions will further strengthen India-USA relations.” This marks the second interaction between the two leaders within 24 hours, following an intimate dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.
The leaders discussed a range of issues over dinner, exchanged gifts, and enjoyed a musical tribute to the regions of India. Later on Thursday, the President and the First Lady will host a State Dinner at the South Lawn of the White House, anticipated to be attended by 400 guests.
According to the White House, the leaders will also discuss ways to expand educational exchanges and people-to-people ties, as well as confront shared challenges, from climate change to workforce development and health security.
Not all conversations and announcements were easy. Biden is expected to raise the issue of democratic backsliding in India as per the administration officials. He has been asked in strong terms by his fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill to discuss democratic norms and human rights in India with Modi.