PM Modi’s US visit : A boost for India’s global role

PM Modi’s US visit : A boost for India’s global role

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his three-day state visit to the United States with an address to the Indian community members in Washington DC on Friday. He highlighted the achievements of his government, the importance of the India-US relationship, and the ongoing agreements and collaborations between the two countries.

Modi’s visit was marked by several high-level meetings with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other top US officials, as well as the first in-person Quad summit with the leaders of Australia, Japan, and the US. He also met with CEOs of major US companies, such as Amazon, Qualcomm, Blackstone, and Adobe, and discussed ways to enhance trade and investment ties.

Modi and Biden issued a joint statement after their bilateral meeting at the White House on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, strengthening democracy and human rights, combating climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, and enhancing cooperation on defense, security, cyber, space, health, education, and innovation.

The two leaders also announced several new initiatives and agreements, such as:

The launch of a new Trade Policy Forum and a new CEO Forum to boost bilateral trade and investment.

The signing of the Artemis Accords - principles governing peaceful exploration of the moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies - by India.

The announcement of a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.

The establishment of a new Strategic Clean Energy Partnership to advance clean energy solutions and technologies.

The expansion of the US-India Vaccine Action Program to support vaccine development and distribution.

The creation of a new Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and a new Homeland Security Dialogue to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and homeland security issues.

Modi also addressed a joint session of Congress on Friday afternoon, becoming the sixth Indian prime minister to do so. He praised the US for its leadership role in the world and its support for India’s development. He also highlighted India’s achievements in democracy, diversity, digitalization, and development. He urged the US to work with India to address global challenges such as terrorism, extremism, climate change, pandemics, and poverty.

Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Washington DC on Friday evening. He thanked them for their contributions to both countries and their role in strengthening the India-US friendship. He also appealed to them to spread India’s message of peace, harmony, and progress to the world.

Modi’s visit concluded with enhanced economic ties, collaboration in manufacturing, and enhanced diplomatic presence1. It also demonstrated India’s growing role and influence in global affairs234, as well as its strategic partnership with the US56. Modi’s visit was widely seen as a success for both countries and a boost for their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.