US, India deepen strategic partnership, set bold plan for future

In what was billed as the final bilateral meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a comprehensive global and strategic U.S.-India partnership, calling it the defining partnership of the 21st century. Both leaders underscored the unprecedented level of trust and cooperation between their nations, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting democracy, freedom and the rule of law. This partnership, rooted in mutual respect for human rights and pluralism, has become a cornerstone of global security, peace and innovation.

Global Leadership and Diplomacy

President Biden has praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in global forums such as the G-20 and the Global South, recognizing India’s critical role in addressing global challenges. Modi’s historic visits to Poland and Ukraine have been celebrated as symbols of India’s growing diplomatic influence, and his support for Ukraine’s humanitarian efforts and international law have served as beacons of peace. President Biden has reiterated U.S. support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council, recognizing India’s important voice in global governance.

Development of technology and innovation

– Initiative on Key and Emerging Technologies (iCET): Both leaders appreciated the success of the iCET initiative, which promotes cooperation in space, semiconductors and advanced telecommunications.
– Semiconductor Collaboration: Plans were announced to set up a new semiconductor manufacturing facility in a joint venture between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech and the US Space Force, aimed at strengthening technology collaboration.
– Artificial intelligence, biotechnology and clean energy**: Cooperation on artificial intelligence, biotechnology and clean energy will deepen, with a particular focus on building resilient and secure supply chains.
– Global Research Initiatives: The US-India Global Challenges Institute and Advanced Materials R&D Forum have been launched to drive collaborative research efforts. Seventeen new awards for binary research in AI and quantum technology will further propel both nations to the forefront of technological innovation.

Strengthening cooperation in the field of defence and security

– Defense Procurement and Industrial Partnerships: President Biden celebrated India’s purchase of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft, which will enhance India’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Both leaders praised progress under the U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Plan, highlighting co-production of jet engines, munitions and unmanned surface vehicles.
– Defence Ecosystem Initiatives: India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) initiative registered significant progress at the third INDUS-X Summit in Silicon Valley, with joint challenges on Undersea Communications and ISR. A new challenge focused on Space Situational Awareness in Low Earth Orbit was announced.
– Defence Trade and Maintenance: The conclusion of the Security of Supply Agreement (SOSA), mutual defence supplies, and cooperation such as Lockheed Martin’s MRO facilities for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft will further strengthen defence ties.

Expanding Cyber ​​and Space Cooperation

– Cybersecurity Cooperation: The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen U.S.-India cyber cooperation through a bilateral cyber engagement in November 2024, focusing on threat intelligence sharing and cybersecurity training.
– Progress in the Space Sector: Welcomed the upcoming bilateral space defence simulation exercise and the collaboration between NASA and ISRO on the International Space Station, scheduled for 2025.

Accelerating the transition to clean energy

– Clean Energy Roadmap: We welcomed the launch of the U.S.-India Roadmap to build safe and secure global clean energy supply chains. It aims to unlock $1 billion in multilateral financing to support renewable energy technologies, energy storage and power grids.
– DFC Investments: US-based International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has provided loans to Tata Power Solar and First Solar, supporting India’s renewable energy goals through building solar panel manufacturing plants and diversified supply chains.
– Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP): Progress under SCEP, recently convened in Washington, DC, was celebrated, strengthening the joint U.S.-India commitment to clean energy. Also announced was the establishment of a new National Center for Hydrogen Safety in India and a USAID partnership with the International Solar Alliance.

Economic Cooperation and Global Health

– Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF): Leaders commended the signing of agreements under Pillars III and IV of the IPEF, which aim to enhance the resilience and economic competitiveness of countries accounting for 40% of global GDP.
– Cancer Research and Global Health: The first-ever US-India Cancer Dialogue was held in August 2024, and a $50 million loan from DFC to Panacea Biotech for vaccine production underscored both countries’ commitment to global health.
– Agricultural innovation: Leaders committed to deepening cooperation on climate-smart agriculture and bilateral trade, with a focus on productivity and risk protection.

Global Digital Development and Trilateral Cooperation

– Digital Development Partnership: The US-India Global Digital Development Partnership was created to deploy responsible digital technologies in Asia and Africa to drive connectivity and economic growth.
– Trilateral cooperation with Tanzania: Joint efforts with Tanzania to improve access to renewable energy in the Indo-Pacific region were welcomed.

Global Governance and Multilateral Cooperation

The leaders appreciated India’s ambitious G20 chairmanship and their shared commitment to addressing the global priorities at the upcoming G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, including sustainable development, strengthening multilateral development banks and streamlining sovereign debt restructuring processes.

With President Biden and Prime Minister Modi laying out a bold agenda for the future, the U.S.-India partnership continues to be a cause for optimism, with both countries committed to taking their cooperation to unprecedented levels in the years ahead.