22-6-2023 (WASHINGTON) US President Joe Biden is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a state visit to Washington D.C. this week, marking the third such meeting of Biden’s presidency, and the first since he assumed office in January. The visit comes as the US seeks to bolster its relationships in the region amid growing concerns over China’s influence. The state visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, which National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said is “one of the defining relationships of the 21st century.” However, Modi’s authoritarian tendencies have caused concern in the West, with human rights groups pointing to his crackdown on dissent, targeting of journalists, and policies that discriminate against Muslims.
The visit is expected to produce agreements on technology and defense cooperation, highlighting Biden’s efforts to deepen ties with India. The two countries are grappling with China’s growing influence and see each other as key partners in addressing global challenges such as climate change and advances in technology. India recently surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country, further underlining its importance as a strategic partner for the US.
The visit will include a joint news conference, which was agreed upon after lengthy negotiations between the two sides. Indian officials initially balked at the White House’s insistence, but eventually agreed to a compromise of a “one-and-one” format, where each leader calls on one reporter from their press corps.
Thursday’s state visit will also address Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine, an issue on which India has not taken a definitive side. New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil has helped prop up Moscow amid withering global sanctions.
Modi’s authoritarian tendencies have drawn criticism from human rights groups, lawmakers, and dissidents, who are calling on Biden to raise his concerns when he meets the Indian Prime Minister. A group of more than 70 congressional Democrats wrote a letter to Biden this week urging him to bring up human rights concerns when he meets with Modi.
The state visit will feature announcements in the technology and defense sectors, including defense sales, production, and technology collaboration. Among the expected announcements is India’s commitment to the purchase of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, which will deepen the two nations’ military ties in the face of an increasingly assertive China. The two leaders will also welcome news of an “unprecedented” next-generation defense partnership between the two nations.
The visit will also see India join the US-led Artemis Accords, an international cooperative agreement for space exploration, and mount a joint mission with NASA to the International Space Station in 2024. US-based semiconductor producer Micron Technology is also expected to break ground on a $2.75 billion new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India.
Biden’s efforts to deepen ties with India come as the two countries grapple with the growing influence of China. The president has met with Modi on several occasions, including through meetings of the Quad leaders. The state visit is aimed at shoring up relationships in a region that is increasingly becoming a strategic battleground for global powers.
