In a demonstration of continued collaboration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden have affirmed their dedication to enhancing the India-US Major Defence Partnership. Their commitment extends to embracing new areas like space and artificial intelligence, as well as bolstering defense industry cooperation.
Furthermore, India’s Ministry of Defence has received a Letter of Request from India to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft, enhancing the nation’s armed forces’ intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
During Biden’s inaugural visit to India as President, he engaged in bilateral discussions with PM Modi ahead of the G20 Summit. They commended the progress made since PM Modi’s landmark State visit to the US, particularly under the India-US Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
Both leaders expressed appreciation for the strong India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, rooted in shared values and strategic alignment. They discussed regional and global matters, highlighting the partnership’s global significance.
In a joint statement, they called for further strengthening the India-US Strategic Partnership, emphasizing technology sharing, co-development, and collaboration opportunities. They praised the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) for its collaboration agenda and announced joint challenges for start-ups in the defense technology sector.
Biden reiterated his support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and welcomed India’s non-permanent seat candidature for 2028-29.
In the realm of space cooperation, both leaders vowed to deepen ties. This includes joint projects in outer space exploration and commercial space collaboration through a new Working Group.
India and the US plan to collaborate on planetary defense against asteroids and near-Earth objects, with US support for India’s involvement in asteroid detection and tracking.
They emphasized the importance of resilient global semiconductor supply chains and noted significant investments by Microchip Technology, Inc., and Advanced Micro Device in India’s research and development.
Lastly, PM Modi invited Biden to the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in India in 2024, underscoring the Quad’s role in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific.
