NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joseph R. Biden Jr. reaffirmed the close and enduring partnership between the two countries and expressed their appreciation for the progress currently underway to further strengthen the bonds.
Soon after he landed in Delhi on September 8 to participate in the G20 Summit, President Biden drove over to the residence of Prime Minister Modi for a meeting, followed by dinner, where the two leaders exchanged views on several regional and global issues.
Chandrayaan greeting
President Biden lauded India’s G20 presidency for further demonstrating how the forum is delivering important outcomes.
He also congratulated the Prime Minister and the people of India on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar South Pole and highlighted deepening cooperation between the two countries in space programmes.
The leaders called on their governments to continue the work of transforming the India-US Strategic Partnership across all dimensions.
During the meeting, PM Modi and President Biden re-emphasised the shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens. They agreed that such values are critical to the success of the countries in strengthening relationships.
Reformed UNSC
President Biden reaffirmed support for a reformed UN Security Council with India as a permanent member. In this context, the President again welcomed India’s candidature for the UNSC nonpermanent seat in 2028-29.
The leaders underscored the need to strengthen and reform the multilateral system so it can better reflect contemporary realities and remain committed to a comprehensive UN reform agenda, including through expansion in permanent and nonpermanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for President Biden’s vision and commitment to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared democratic values, strategic convergences and strong people-topeople ties.
Bilateral cooperation
During the talks, the leaders welcomed the sustained momentum in bilateral cooperation, including those in the areas of defence, trade, investment, education, health, research, innovation, culture, and people-to-people ties. They appreciated the progress made since the Prime Minister’s last US visit in June 2023, including under the IndiaUS Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
India and the United States intend to undertake a midterm review of iCET later this month to continue to drive the momentum toward the next annual review in early 2024.
The leaders reiterated their support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains, noting in this respect a multi-year initiative of Microchip Technology to invest $300 million in expanding its research and development presence in India.
Similarly, Advanced Micro Device’s has also announced an investment of $400 million over the next five years to expand R&D and engineering operations.
Secure, trusted telecom
The leaders expressed satisfaction at the ongoing implementation of announcements made in June 2023 by U.S. companies, Micron, LAM Research, and Applied Materials.
Sharing a vision of secure and trusted telecommunications, resilient supply chains, and global digital inclusion, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden welcomed the signing of MoU between Bharat 6G Alliance and Next G Alliance. The US reiterated its commitment to working with India in the quantum domain, both bilaterally and through the Quantum Entanglement Exchange.
