President Joe Biden hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his personal residence in Wilmington, Delaware, marking the start of Modi’s three-day visit to the US. During the discussions, Biden emphasized the importance of India’s role in reforming global institutions, including supporting India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. Both leaders addressed global concerns, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where China has become increasingly assertive.
Biden praised India’s proactive stance on addressing global challenges, including the COVID-19 response and managing international conflicts. He acknowledged Modi’s efforts in fostering peace during his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, where India has provided humanitarian aid and sought diplomatic resolutions. The two leaders highlighted the shared goal of peace, with Modi stressing India’s readiness to mediate for an immediate resolution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
A significant part of their discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in critical areas such as clean energy, defense, and semiconductors. Both leaders lauded an agreement to build a semiconductor fabrication plant to enhance national security and advance technology partnerships between the two nations. This collaboration aims to strengthen resilient supply chains, including those related to the automotive industry. Moreover, the partnership between the US and India promises to create new job opportunities, fostering economic growth in both countries.
In addition to these economic partnerships, the meeting reaffirmed the countries’ mutual commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and the protection of key maritime routes, particularly in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. This strategic cooperation, with India taking a leading role in maritime security by 2025, aims to safeguard global trade and regional stability.
