Recently, the Indian Prime Minister met with the newly elected US President for their first US-based bilateral meeting. The conference covered a gamut of critical issues such as combating Covid-19, addressing climate change, and fostering economic cooperation. This meeting took an added significance as previously, during his visit to India, the US Secretary of State had emphasized the potential for actions by both nations to shape the 21st century.
Highlights from the Bilateral Meeting
The leaders aimed to strengthen the Indo-US strategic partnership, talking about global issues of shared interest, including threats to democracy, Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific region. A key challenge flagged was Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan, requiring careful monitoring.
Terrorism found a prominent mention, with both sides denouncing the use of terrorist proxies. Emphasis was laid on stopping any form of support – logistical, financial, or military – to such groups, which could potentially instigate terror attacks.
During India’s devastating wave of Covid-19 infections, support received from the US Government, US-based companies, and the Indian diaspora was recognized. India also declared its plan to restart exporting surplus Covid-19 vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri programme and fulfill commitments to the COVAX global pool.
Indian community-related issues in the US, including access for Indian professionals and H-1B visas, were voiced during the meet.
Developments in India-US Relations
India-US bilateral relations have evolved into a “global strategic partnership” predicated on democratic values and mutual interests. This was solidified through a civil-nuclear deal signed in 2008 and by launching the India-US Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership at the Leaders climate summit 2021.
The defense relationship has emerged as a significant component of the strategic partnership, exemplified by agreements such as the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA), General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), and Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).
Economic Engagements and Collaborations
The bilateral trade relationship between India and US is vital, with the US being India’s second largest trading partner and a key target for India’s exports. In 2020-21, the US surpassed Mauritius to become the second largest source of foreign direct investment into India.
Scientific Cooperation: A Joint Endeavor
In the field of Science and Technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are collaboratively working on a joint microwave remote sensing satellite for Earth observation, dubbed NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR).
Indian Diaspora in the US: A Growing Presence
The Indian diaspora has increasingly gained prominence in various spheres in the US, with the current Vice President, Kamala Harris, herself having strong Indian roots.
The Way Forward
The recent bilateral meeting sets the stage for transforming India’s partnership with the US. With Afghanistan remaining a key shared concern, focus lies on addressing emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, spurred by China’s rise and assertion. There exist immense opportunities to augment bilateral trade between the countries, especially considering the growing anti-China sentiment in both nations.