“Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers,” the US President toasted Joe Biden Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at dinner together. “You are a soft-spoken man, but when it comes to action you are very strong,” said Modi.
With Modi’s state visit to the United States, Washington and New Delhi have ushered in a new era in their relationship. Biden and Modi didn’t just agree on Thursday to work together to counter China’s growing influence.
➤ Why China and India’s power struggle endangers the Himalayas
They soon entered into several military partnerships. For example, US warships will be allowed to visit Indian shipyards for future repairs. In return, India can buy SeaGuardian drones in the US.
On the economic side, agreements were made on chip production, raw materials and space travel. This is intended to diversify the supply chain to reduce dependence on China. In particular, US chipmaker Micron Technology’s plan to build a $2.7 billion chip factory in Modi’s home state of Gujarat was discussed.
➤ Why India is just a slippery partner for the US
The two countries also settled their dispute before the World Trade Organization. India will lift certain tariffs on US imports.
conflict is avoided
For all these deals, the US has made state visits very expensive. Biden and Modi spoke privately for more than two hours. The conflict was largely abandoned. Modi allowed Biden to attend press conferences — something the Indian leader has so far avoided during his nine years in office — and brushed off criticism of India’s human rights record
India’s close ties with Russia are also barely mentioned. However, Biden and Modi both urged Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” in a joint statement. India wants to work for peace in Ukraine, said Modi.
