According to CNBC, Prime Minister Modi is the third world leader to pay a state visit to the US at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. This special invitation reflects the strength and vitality of the partnership between the two countries.

Over the past decade, relations between the two countries have improved significantly. “The visit symbolizes a sustained commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship and demonstrates the great potential for both countries to cooperate on global challenges,” said Farwa Aamer, director of the South Asia program at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed in New York, USA on June 20. Photo: AP

As India's international role is increasingly asserted as the world's most populous country, one of the fastest-growing economies and a powerhouse in technology and innovation, the Biden administration hopes to see India as an ally and an important player in its Indo-Pacific policy.

The talks are expected to focus on strengthening defence ties, technological partnerships and India’s role in the Indo-Pacific. According to Reuters, India is moving closer to buying US-made armed drones worth $2-3 billion to boost border surveillance and improve counter-terrorism intelligence operations. The US administration believes this is an ambitious roadmap for India-US cooperation in high-tech areas such as semiconductors, next-generation telecommunications, artificial intelligence and defence. In addition, India hopes that US private companies will be able to expand their investments in India, in the context of the two countries agreeing to jointly produce fighter jet engines in India.

The India-US relationship is multifaceted, with growing engagement across a wide range of sectors. The two countries cooperate closely in the areas of science and technology, education, health, defence and security. The Critical and Emerging Technologies Initiative adds new dimensions and expands bilateral cooperation to include defence industry, space, telecommunications, quantum, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. In addition, the two countries are working together to promote a shared vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

New Delhi is emerging as a strategic defense partner for Washington, especially as it seeks to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific. The South Asian nation is also seeking closer military cooperation with the US to reduce its dependence on Russian military hardware, as Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine enters its second year.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US began in New York, where he attended the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21 at the United Nations. He will then travel to Washington DC for talks with President Biden on June 22. The visit is an opportunity to deepen and diversify the India-US partnership and strengthen a relationship based on shared values, so that the two countries can stand stronger together in addressing common global challenges, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

HUNG HA