Receive free G20 updates
we will send you myFT Daily Digest Email summary of the latest information G20 Every morning there is news.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have strengthened ties in defense and technology at a meeting in New Delhi, emphasizing the burgeoning strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Gathering on the eve of the G20 summit in the Indian capital, Biden and Modi touted a “close and enduring partnership” that has become an emerging force in global diplomacy, with both countries skeptical of China’s power and influence .
There was little new in a lengthy joint statement issued after the meeting, held at Modi’s official residence. The two leaders largely reiterated commitments made to each other over the past few months, including when Biden hosted the Indian prime minister at the White House in June.
But U.S. officials said the positive tone was key. White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said there was now “undeniable warmth and confidence” between Modi and Biden, marking a sea change in U.S.-India relations.
On the US side, Campbell said he believed that for Washington, the bilateral relationship with India would be the most important relationship of the 21st century and that “India is waking up to the importance of its role in the world”.
Campbell also said New Delhi took note of the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit, which is very important to Modi. “I think India is disappointed by the absence of Russia and China,” Campbell said.
In a joint statement, India and the United States welcomed the approval by the US Congress to negotiate a commercial agreement between GE Aerospace and Indian state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the production of GE F-414 jet engines in India.
The two countries also announced a second ship repair agreement under which India will maintain US Navy ships in the country.
Biden “welcomed” the Indian Defense Ministry’s request to acquire 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones, which the two countries said would “enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in all domains.”
India has an unresolved border dispute with China and was at war with China in 1962. India relies heavily on the US as it seeks to close gaps in military readiness and high technology. It is also working more closely with the U.S. in areas such as semiconductors, telecommunications, quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
At the same time, the two countries said they would strengthen cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. They also settled the last WTO trade dispute over poultry, including India’s move to cut tariffs on U.S. frozen duck and turkey, as well as dried blueberries and cranberries.
On the diplomatic front, Biden praised India’s leadership role in the G20, backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and agreed to return to New Delhi for a meeting of the quartet of leaders in 2024, a strategic agreement that also includes Japan and Australia.
As Biden pushes for closer ties with Modi, he has been criticized for ignoring troubling setbacks in Indian democracy, including crackdowns on free speech and incitement to violence against Muslim and Christian minorities. Campbell said Biden told Modi that the health of democracy is “an important issue in our bilateral relationship.”
“I think the key is that we maintain a respectful dialogue and approach some of the challenges with humility because we have some challenges in our own country,” Campbell said.
Svlook
