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President Joe Biden and President Narendra Modi recently met in the United States (US) in a bid to strengthen ties between the two countries. Such a meeting is significant with regards to the prevailing US-China tensions as this meeting clearly showcases the US’ intent to have a stronger ally to counter China’s influence. Simultaneously, India, a country who has had a long history of tensions with China, wants to expand its influence on the global stage and strengthen partnership with a major power like the US. Following this bilateral meeting, there will be strengthened cooperation between both countries in the political, economic and defence dimension. This essay seeks to detail the significant takeaways from the bilateral meeting between the US and India.
First, politically, this meeting holds much significance as Modi is only the third state leader to be hosted by President Biden, showing Biden’s desire to strengthen ties with India and Modi. Furthermore, India is in a very interesting position. On one end, India is on the same side as the US in the sense that both countries seek to counter China’s growing influence. However, India also has had strong ties with Russia, with Modi refusing to condemn Russia or break ties with them following the attack on Ukraine. This meeting holds great significance as the US tries to gain an ally to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, with India being a similarly large country and a growing economy. Biden’s desire to draw closer to India is evident with him seemingly fine with Modi’s questionable human rights records and position with regards to the war in Ukraine. In the past, Modi has had difficulty even entering the US due to violations of religious freedom. On the contrary, now, Modi is welcomed in a high profile diplomatic visit. Clearly, Biden is very sincere in deepening ties with India, a very strategic partner.
Second, economically, the US and India are expected to greatly deepen economic ties. With US’s export bans on semiconductors against China, the US has a great need to diversify its supply chains. India serves as a strategic economic partner for the US to build semiconductor assembly and testing plants, as US chip giant Micron is set to invest US$800 million on these sites. Furthermore, this meeting serves to elevate cooperation in the Indo-Pacific economic framework, which serves to build resilience in supply chain, clean energy and decarbonization. In addition, the US plans to have its private sector companies invest in India, to provide high technology in Indian services and Indian manufacturing. Also, the meeting involved the signing of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, which involves US and Indian firms collaborating across different sectors like IT, artificial intelligence, education and healthcare. Hence, it is clear that there will be greater economic cooperation between these two countries.
Thirdly, there will be enhanced defence cooperation between the US and India. For instance, the US is expected to transfer engines to aid India in producing homegrown fighter jets. Also, US navy ships will be able to stop in India’s shores for repairs, enhancing maritime cooperation between the two countries. In addition, India is expected to procure US-produced MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. While enhanced defence cooperation is important for the US to have an ally to counter China, such cooperation is equally important for India. India has relied on Moscow for 50% of its defence needs. Hence, it has felt the need to look to other powers for defence needs as well and not be over reliant on Russia. This aligns with India’s policy of non-alignment, where it is not confined to a specific power in the world order. Thus, the meeting has led to strengthened ties in the defence field between two countries.
In conclusion, the US’ meeting with India is one that is extremely significant in the world order. Politically, both countries gain an ally that can counter China. Economically, both countries will stand to benefit in many agreements that encourage mutual benefit across many sectors. Lastly, both countries are expected to enhance defence cooperation, which will aid both countries in a world that is increasingly divided and polarised.
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