Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful three-day visit to the US has strengthened and positively projected India's image on the global stage. This visit has also proved to make 'Brand India' credible. During this India and US came under several pacts and agreements for the betterment of both the nations and some of these are mentioned below:
Quad united on peace-making
A war has broken out between four countries and India is constantly appealing for peace. It is giving the mantra of resolving disputes through peace and dialogue. When the Quad Leaders’ Summit was held in the US on Sunday, India gained a diplomatic edge on peace-making. Terrorism was condemned in this summit and Pakistan was also mentioned indirectly. Quad countries India, the US, Japan and Australia have issued a joint statement. It has particularly cornered Pakistan on the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the 2016 Pathankot attack. The leaders of the Quad countries have expressed their commitment to work together against terrorism. A demand was made for strict action against the perpetrators of terrorism through the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council. This summit was held in Wilmington, Delaware.
Big deal on drones and fighter aircraft
A big deal has been signed between India and the US regarding the purchase of drones and fighter aircraft. India is going to buy General Atomics MQ-9B drones from the US. The US approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to the Indian Army in February at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion. Of these 31 drones, the Indian Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian drones, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army will get eight Sky Guardian drones each. These drones will take the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of India's armed forces to a new level.
Agreement to work together in space
The two leaders in the space technology sector have praised the first joint effort of NASA and ISRO to conduct scientific research on the International Space Station in 2025. Let us tell you that ISRO and NASA are working together in space research.
Green Energy Sector
PM Modi and President Biden praised the US-India roadmap to build a secure global clean energy supply chain. On this matter, the White House has said that in the initial phase, the US and India will work together on renewable energy, energy storage and power grids. Both countries will jointly provide assistance of $ 1 billion on this.
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partnership with India's private sector is considered very important to expand clean energy manufacturing and diversify supply chains. DFC has given a loan of $ 250 million to Tata Power Solar for a solar cell manufacturing facility. Apart from this, a loan of $ 500 million has been given to First Solar for the construction and operation of a solar module manufacturing facility.
Agreement on C-130J Super Hercules
Apart from this, talks have also taken place between India and the US on a joint agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. This deal has been done to set up MRO facility for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This is an important step in US-India cooperation in the defence and aerospace sector.
MRO Ecosystem:
President Biden welcomed India's decision to set a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5 percent on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector, including parts of all aircraft and aircraft engines. Let us tell you that many American aviation companies want to invest heavily to develop unmanned aircraft repair facilities in India.
America will help India in making semiconductors
A big deal has been done between India and the US regarding the manufacture of semiconductors. The two countries have praised an important arrangement to set up a new semiconductor plant focused on advanced sensing, communications and power electronics for national security. This plant will be set up in Kolkata. PM Modi said that this move will enable India Semi, Third-Tech and the US Space Force with a strategic tech partnership.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, an important agreement has been reached between India and the US regarding semiconductors. Under this, a semiconductor fabrication plant will be set up in Kolkata, which will supply electronic chips to the US Armed Forces, its allied forces and the Indian defence forces. Work is likely to start in 2025 on this, which has been named Shakti.
- Who will set up the plant?
This plant will be developed in collaboration with the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic technology partnership involving India Semi, 3rdiTech and the US Space Force. 3rdiTech is an Indian start-up led by VinayakDalmia and VrindaKapoor, which has worked on several projects for various branches of the Indian Army as well as US General Atomics. However, more detailed information has not been revealed yet.
- What will be manufactured in the plant?
Sensing infrared chip, power electronic chip and communication radio frequency chip are planned to be made in the plant. Sensing infrared chip will be used for night vision, space sensors, weapon sites, soldier handheld sites and drones. Power electronic chip will be used in satellites, drones, fighter aircraft, electric vehicles, data centres and railway engines. Communication radio frequency chip will be used in military communications, satellite communications, electronic warfare jammers, radar and 5G/6G telecommunications.
- How many people will get employment?
The manufacturers have set a target to produce 50,000 chips every year in the first phase of the plant's launch. About 700 people will work in the plant. Both companies will invest in a knowledge centre called Saraswati, which will train 100 people every year. Apart from this, a design centre Durga will be built, in which about 250 people will work. This is important because the Indian semiconductor market is estimated to reach Rs 33,000 crore by 2026.
What did India-US say on the agreement?
The White House said, "The two leaders appreciated an important agreement to establish a new semiconductor manufacturing plant focused on advanced sensing, communications and power electronics for national security, next-generation telecommunications and green energy applications." Foreign Secretary Vikram Misrisaid, "We have always been known as a storehouse of talent. This step shows that we are entering into its creation."
India-US Relations: A Dynamic Partnership
India as well as United States has long complicated relations as can be seen in this analysis of the two states. Their cooperation has been forged by the sour relations characteristic of the cold war period and the current global issues as well as economic ties and common democratic principles. In this article, it will be pertinent to spill some light on some of the fundamental features of this extended partnership between the US and India that are of greatest significance in the contemporary global politics.
Historical Context
- Cold War Era: Independent India first followed non alignment policy; however, the relations between the US and India have often been troubled because of the difference of approaching ideologies during the Cold War period. The US supported Pakistan, while on the other hand, India aspired to ally with Soviet Union. Nevertheless, the moment of the Cold War confrontation collapse opened a new page in the bilateral relations.
- 1990s and Beyond: After the Cold War, India started liberalization exercise and the US realized that India can be a useful ally. The trade relationship developed successfully and partnership in technology, defence, and counter-terrorism increased.
Strategic Partnerships
- Defence and Security: The growing intensity of Sino-Indian defence ties has been reported. Earlier in 2008, this civil nuclear agreement was first signed, which in fact gave India civilian nuclear technology. India and U.S has many combined defence exercise. Also U.S and India has a deep cooperation in hardware as well as military equipment.
- Economic Engagement: The two essential acts are trade and investments. US is amongst the major trade partner of India and Ranks 2nd in Trading partner. High technology transfers, innovations cooperation, and digital economy are considered as key priorities.
- People-to-People Ties: The Indian community especially those based in America play huge roles in shared cultural and economic relations. People-to-people relations include individuals exchange in the spheres of education, research partnership, and tourism.
The commonalities of interest and concern
- China Factor: India and the US are equally sceptical about China’s economic growth. It participates together in an area of common interest, which includes regional security, sea security and the issue of checking China.
- Climate Change: International climate deal has become fashionable. They have a common interest in combating climate change missions such as the Paris Agreement and the promotion of shared interests in clean energy.
- Geopolitical Alignment: With the “Act East” policy of India underlining the countries approach toward the Indo-Pacific region, it implies with the US strategy for Indo-Pacific. Cooperation with other Quad Countries and include Japan and Australia also focuses on Free and open Indian Ocean.
Recent Developments
- Quad Summit: Senior officials of the four countries held the Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2024 to progress the quadrilateral security dialogue. It focussed on the global understanding of the common interest against terrorism, infrastructure and technology.
Conclusion
Today, India and the United States are enjoying a vibrant partnership based on convergence of interests and mutual appreciation and support for democratic system. It is for this reason that the two countries’ cooperation is paramount to the region and the world amid various geopolitical challenges.