Nine years since that ban on Narendra Modi was lifted, the Indian PM has gained increasingly more support from the White House. PM Modi became the second Indian Prime Minister after Manmohan Singh to be honoured with a State Visit to the United States.
The first state visit by Mr Modi to the United States did not disappoint supporters of the alliance. New agreements involving high-end defence collaboration, semiconductor sector investments, and a partnership in quantum, advanced computing, and AI were announced by the two sides.
The decision by India to join the 11-nation mineral security partnership for important minerals, where China now enjoys a global monopoly, and cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, particularly in renewable energy, will improve future cooperation in this area. Additionally, the agreements between NASA and ISRO for human spaceflight and India's decision to join the 27-nation Artemis Accords for collaboration in space exploration will both help India advance its aspirations in the area.
This visit can deepen the relations of US and India. The United States is India's largest trade partner in goods and services, with both countries collaborating closely in areas such as science and technology, education, health, defence, and security. A positive cultural exchange can help to strengthen the foundation of the relationship and serve as a bridge between the two nations, facilitating successful cooperation in other areas.
PM Modi responds to a journalist's question during a joint presser
In a rare occurrence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took questions from journalists during a joint press briefing with US President Joe Biden at the White House. Responding to a question from the US media on the steps taken by the Indian government to protect the rights of Muslims and other minorities and uphold free speech, Modi said that ‘democracy runs in our veins’.
At the press conference in the White House, Sabrina Siddiqui, the White House correspondent of the Wall Street Journal, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi a question on the alleged discrimination of minorities in India during his visit to the US.
She asked Modi, "India has long prided itself as the world’s largest democracy, but there are many human rights groups who say that your government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics. As you stand here in the East Room of the White House, where so many world leaders have made commitments to protecting democracy, what steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and to uphold free speech?"
"We are a democracy. India and America both have democracy in their DNA. Democracy is in our spirit, we live it, and it's written in our Constitution...So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed, or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it," he said.
White House press conferences with other world leaders have been tightly controlled, with U.S. officials designating reporters beforehand from the American and foreign media for Biden and his guests to call upon and a very limited number of questions.
Biden had been facing increasing pressure from fellow Democrats to raise alleged human rights issues with Modi after 75 US Senators and Congressional lawmakers wrote a letter to the President outlining their areas of concern.
Old friends in a changing world, It’s time to deepen relations
Speaking to the Indian diaspora and addressing the US Congress a second time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made one thing quite clear: US-India relations are expanding and deepening. According to Prime Minister Modi's speech to the Congress, this is a historic development that will benefit not only the US and India but the entire world. However, many people are curious to know what brought India and the US together. Factors such as the market size of the Indian economy are increasing, which leads to the growing influence of theIndian diaspora in American business and politics. The China factor may be the most important one for the current closeness, the country’s meteoric rise is being seen as a threat to globalsecurity by many nations. The Quad is a forum tocontain the aggressive designs of China, and the current US-India friendship is only an extension of that at a bilateral level.
Why America needs India
Since 2000, relations between India and the US have improved under every US president and Indian prime minister. The Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement was a game-changing move that began the process of removing barriers to India's access to more advanced defence and dual-use technologies in the US. Till then, India hardly bought any defence supplies from the US, but it has now contracted to buy more than $20 billion worth.
It is obvious that Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US would further strengthen the amazing turnaround of the US-India relationship from one of distance and mistrust to one of closeness and cooperation. In addition to the Indo-Pacific region's strategic importance, the US needs India more than India needs the US due to both countries' shared commitment to a free, open, and democratic international order. India can help the US with its experiences in healthcare, digitalisation, multilateral engagements, and collaborations with the Global South.
PM Modi appreciates the role of Indian Americans in strengthening India-US ties
State Dinner was hosted in honour of PM Modi by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the North Lawn of the White House. More than 400 guests were invited for the dinner and they included big names in the tech world and billionaire industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Google CEO Sunder Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
During his address at the State Dinner, MrModi raised a toast for his "wonderful" hosts. He raised it for good health, prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness, for liberty, equality, and fraternity, and for the ever-lasting bonds of friendship between India and the US.
"With every passing day, Indians and Americans are getting to know each other better. We can pronounce each other's names correctly. We can understand each other's accents better. Children in India become Spider Man on Halloween, and America's youth is dancing to the tune of NaatuNaatu'," the Prime Minister said.
"Indian Americans have come a long way in the US. They are proud of India's values, democratic traditions, and culture and have always found a respectful place in America's melting pot. Indian Americans have played a significant role in further strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the US," PM Modi said.
"Be it hospitals or hotels, universities or research labs, gas stations or logistics management, they are making their mark everywhere," he added.
US Vice President, Kamala Harris said India is a very important part of her life and that she is deeply connected to the country. The history and teachings in India and of India have not only influenced me, they, of course, have shaped the entire globe, Harris said in her address at a luncheon hosted by her and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
NaMo’s visit to the US is everything China hates
Chinese media claims that the US is exhibiting "wishful thinking" over India's potential and that Delhi isn't very excited about specific promises from Washington. Chinese state media viewed Mr Modi's visit as a component of Washington's policy to support India in order to control China, excluding a moderate "cautious optimism," since Beijing believes the two sides aren't completely on the same page. According to experts, China's strategic threat has caused the US and India to converge despite the fact that their respective strategic objectives are different.
Chinese experts have argued that India is exploiting a Goldilocks moment in the US, where the Indian PM presented New Delhi with optimum geopolitical bandwidth.
"India has a very big appetite, and it wants everything; whether it can eat or not is another matter," said Liu Zongyi, a researcher at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies.
"The most fundamental reason why the United States treats India so grandly this time is to unite with India to contain China jointly," wrote Liu.
The US-China truce struck during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing was already in jeopardy. Biden gave it another shock last week by calling Xi a "dictator" at a fundraiser event on June 20. When he referred to Xi as a "dictator" at a fundraiser on June 20, Biden gave it yet another shock last week. "For dictators, that is a major disgrace. The US President commented on the spy balloon incident from early 2023 when he said, "When they didn't know what happened.
The Chinese government was quick to reprimand US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns over Biden’s remarks. "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and opposition," said Mao Ning, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign affairs ministry.
Key takeaways from PM Modi’s US visit:
India's position in the world has been significantly impacted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to the US, which highlighted the nation's two identities as a spiritual democracy and an economic behemoth. PM Modi's journey demonstrated India's rich cultural history, diplomatic skills, and expanding influence on the global arena, from organising a world record-breaking yoga session at the UN to striking significant defence and semiconductor production deals.
- Manifesting India’s cultural and spiritual leadership
PM Modi leading 177 nations in performing yoga at the United Nations on International Yoga Diwas was a historic moment, similar of Swami Vivekananda's impactful speech at the World Congress of Religions in 1893. The idea of India as a "spiritual democracy" was strengthened by PM Modi's leadership in promoting the world's adoption of yoga.
- Opposing toxic rhetoric and fostering unity
During his tour, PM Modi successfully debunked the false claims that India's democracy is in peril and that Muslims pose a security risk. He underscored India's long-standing commitment to democratic values and inclusivity in his moving speech to the Senate.
- Supporting defence and semiconductor production deals
The strategic military and semiconductor production agreements that were signed between India and the US were the most important economic successes of PM Modi's visit. These agreements strengthen India's defence capabilities while also establishing it as a dependable partner for cutting-edge technology partnerships.
- Moving beyond China and asserting regional dominance
The strong Indo-US axis is indicated by US President Joe Biden's courageous stand against the Chinese establishment, branding it a dictatorship. This collaborative approach between the two nations aims to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, thereby positioning India as a key player in shaping the region's future.
- The US knows PM Modi will be back in 2024
And lastly, why would the US invest so generously in India when there are upcoming general elections? This is due to the US's conviction that PM Modi will profitably keep his position as prime minister, which is supported by several intelligence sources.
H-1B visa renewal can be done in the US itself, says PM Modi
In a big relief to Indian professionals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian professionals can renew their work visas without travelling abroad. "America's new consulates will be opened in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. It has now been decided that the H1B visa renewal can be done in the US itself," PM Modi said while addressing the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.
To make the process of renewing an H-1B visa easier for various Indians who are currently working in the US on an H-1B visa, the US government announced that they will establish "in-country" renewable H-1B visas as part of the people-to-people initiative.
Boost ties with the US through bilateral talks and deals
There were many deals, bilateral meetings, and developments that took place during Modi’s maiden visit, which turned into a multi-faceted event.
First Lady Jill Biden, in an event on skill development that she attended with PM Modi, said that if the economies of India and the US are to be robust, the nations need to invest in young people. The programme "India and USA: Skilling for the Future" at the National Science Foundation, focused on workforce redevelopment across higher education institutions to expand and enhance access to quality education across society. PM Modi gave Jill Biden a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond during his US visit, which made Surat's jewellers and diamantaires very happy.
American computer chip maker Micron announced its plan to invest over $2.7 billion in an assembly and test plant in Gujarat. Sanjay Mehrotra, the CEO of Micron, voiced excitement about "greater opportunities" in India at a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US hours before the announcement.
The strategic clinch between India and the US just got tighter. The proposed mega deal for top-tier armed MQ-9B Predator or Reaper drones and the "landmark" agreement to co-produce GE-F414 fighter jet engines are meant to advance defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries beyond the current buyer-seller relationship. A senior White House official stated that the US will open consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad to foster even more interpersonal ties between the two nations.
'Abundance in Millets' was officially released by Mr Modi while he was on a state visit to the US. Falguni, an Indian-American singer and songwriter and Mr Modi "collaborated" on the song.
Sitharaman slams Obama over the minorities remark
Former US President Barack Obama was rebuked by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who claimed that no one will take him seriously after six-seven Muslim-majority nations were attacked during his administration. In an interview, Obama said that if ethnic minorities" are not protected in India, the country will come apart. Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters, Sitharaman said that the success of Mr Modi’s visit was a "matter of pride" for the country. Responding to a query on criticisms against the Modi government on religious discrimination, Sitharaman said that she found Obama’s comments "surprising". His comments came as Mr Modi was set to address the US Congress.
"It was surprising that when the PM was visiting the US, a former US President (Barack Obama) was making a statement on Indian Muslims...I will tread with caution here, since we want a good friendship with the US. But comments come from there on India’s religious tolerance. Perhaps six Muslim-dominated countries were bombed due to him (Obama). From Yemen to Syria, there was a war-like situation... more than 26,000 bombs were dropped," Sitharaman said.
"This happened during his tenure. No one will take him seriously," she added.
Egypt Visit
After a successful US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 June landed in Egypt for the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM after 26 years. In a special honour, the Egyptian PM received PM Modi at the airport in Cairo and was given a Guard of Honour on his arrival.
At a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on his maiden State visit to Egypt, former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd) said both sides are keen to develop their own defence industrial base and can work in partnership in the field of military R&D and manufacturing.
"In the field of defence, India and Egypt have had excellent bilateral relationships. Historically our defence forces have shared a close bond," Bhadauria told the media.
"We have a lot of commonalities of equipment, and thinking. Egypt is very keen to develop their own industrial base for their defence services in terms of new developments and ability to repair and sustain," he added.
The former IAF chief further said, "Given the commonalities in platforms and equipment, I think there is a huge potential to cooperate and collaborate in the field of defence R&D and manufacturing."
"There is a very significant possibility of exporting weapon systems, sensors and platforms and also supporting Egypt in their quest for indigenisation and building up their own industrial complex," Bhadauria added.
He said Prime Minister Modi's visit would substantially change the trajectory of mutual cooperation between the two countries in all areas of interest.
"India and Egypt are the two biggest operators of the Rafale combat aircraft after the original manufacturer country Rafale and have had many other systems in common. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande had also recently visited Egypt for forging closer ties between the two sides," he said.
PM Modi conferred Egypt’s highest state honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the ‘Order of the Nile’, Egypt’s highest honour, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Presidential Palace in Cairo. Instituted in 1915, the ‘Order of the Nile’ is conferred upon heads of state, crown princes, and vice presidents who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services. This is the 13th highest state honour conferred upon Prime Minister Modi.
Mr Modi and El-Sisi inked the strategic partnership document after their wide-ranging talksencompassing further enhancing political and security cooperation, defence collaboration, trade and investment ties, scientific and academic exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people contacts. They also discussed further cooperation in the G-20, highlighting the issues of food and energy insecurity, climate change, and the need for the Global South to have a concerted voice. The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to El-Sisi to attend the G-20 Summit in New Delhi in September.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam in Cairo.”Had enriching discussions on India-Egypt ties, notably cultural and people-to-people linkages," Modi wrote on Twitter.
Special moments of PM Modi during Egypt visit
Before departing for India a few hours later, Mr Modi visited Egypt’s historic 11th-century Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, restored with the help of India’s Dawoodi Bohra community. The Prime Minister was seen appreciating the intricately carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque, which was built in 1012.
Apart from touring the pyramids of Giza, he also visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetery and offered tributes to the Indian soldiers who bravely fought and laid down their lives in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War. Modi offered floral tributes and signed the visitor’s book at the Cemetery that comprises the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial and the Heliopolis (Aden) Memorial.
Mr Modi met members of the Indian community in Egypt, who hailed him as "India’s hero". "Saara Hindustan sabka hero hai. Deshke log mehnatkarte, desh ki taraqqi hoti hai (Entire India, everyone’s hero. The people of the country work hard, and the nation progresses)," the prime minister said.
The objective of the prime minister's visits abroad has been to foster closer relations with foreign countries and promote India's engagements at regional and global level. These visits have enabled India to strengthen relations with partner countries and put forward India's viewpoint and shape the global agenda on global issues such as reformed multilateralism, climate change, transnational crime, terrorism, cyber-security, etc. The US- India relationship can benefit President Biden and Prime Minister Modi for the upcoming general elections in 2024. These opportunities can help both of them to rebuild their public images and create positive perception about the government as well.
