Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to the US
On September 21, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Joe Biden, taking place on the sidelines of the Quad summit in Delaware. This meeting highlights the strengthening ties and shared strategic interests between India and the United States, focusing on key areas of cooperation including defense, technology, and regional stability.
Strengthening Defense Collaborations
One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the finalization of India’s purchase of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B Predator drones, a deal valued at approximately USD 3.99 billion. This purchase, endorsed by President Biden, is aimed at enhancing India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across various domains.
Details of the Drone Deal
The terms of the deal include:
| Recipient | Type of Drones | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Navy | Sea Guardian Drones | 15 |
| Indian Air Force | Sky Guardian Drones | 8 |
| Indian Army | Sky Guardian Drones | 8 |
These ‘hunter-killer’ drones are crucial for enhancing surveillance capabilities along India’s border with China and over the Indian Ocean region.
Additional Areas of Discussion
The bilateral talks also focused on establishing a semiconductor plant in Kolkata, which is expected to bolster India’s technological infrastructure. The Prime Minister and President Biden agreed that the completion of negotiations regarding the pricing of the drone deal signals progress that will likely culminate in a formal agreement by next month.
Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation
Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing defense and military partnerships. They emphasized the necessity for bilateral reciprocal supplies of defense equipment, especially in light of the increasing military power of China. A joint fact sheet released after the meeting noted the progress made under US-India defense industrial cooperation, which includes co-production initiatives for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.
Value of Global Strategic Partnership
During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the relationship between India and the United States has evolved into a comprehensive global strategic partnership, founded upon shared democratic values and vibrant people-to-people ties. The meeting underscored the importance of continuing collaboration across various sectors to address both global and regional challenges effectively.
Conclusion of the Meeting
The meeting was described by Prime Minister Modi as “very fruitful,” covering a wide range of issues, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This engagement marks a pivotal moment in the US-India partnership, reflecting a mutual desire to collaborate on defense and technology while addressing pressing geopolitical concerns.
