India and the United States Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Joint Statement

TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Sep 08, 2023: In a historic meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., came together today to underscore the enduring partnership between their two nations. The leaders expressed their mutual appreciation for the progress made since Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit to Washington in June 2023, as they charted a course for the future of India-U.S. relations.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of transforming the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership across various global dimensions, founded on trust and mutual understanding. They reiterated that shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities are fundamental to the success and strength of both countries’ bond.

President Biden commended India’s G20 Presidency, highlighting the forum’s capacity to deliver crucial outcomes. The leaders affirmed their commitment to the G20, anticipating that the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi would further accelerate sustainable development, foster multilateral cooperation, and establish a global consensus on inclusive economic policies. Their shared goals include the reform and expansion of multilateral development banks.

The Quad, a vital component of the Indo-Pacific strategy, was emphasized by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden. India is set to host the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2024, and the U.S. has taken on the role of co-leading the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Pillar on Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport. This commitment solidifies their dedication to ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Global governance reform was also on the agenda, with President Biden reaffirming support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council. The leaders emphasized the importance of a reformed multilateral system to reflect contemporary realities, advocating for comprehensive UN reform, including expanding both permanent and non-permanent categories of UN Security Council membership.

The leaders acknowledged the pivotal role of technology in enhancing their strategic partnership. They praised the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) for its efforts in building open, secure, and resilient technology ecosystems and value chains. A midterm review of iCET is set for September 2023, followed by an annual review co-led by the National Security Advisors of both countries in early 2024.

President Biden congratulated India on Chandrayaan-3’s historic moon landing and the successful launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission. The two nations are working towards commercial space collaboration through the establishment of a Working Group under the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group. Collaboration extends to discussions on mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024 and a strategic framework for human space flight cooperation by the end of 2023. Cooperation on planetary defense, including asteroid detection and tracking, is also a priority.

The leaders recognized the importance of resilient global semiconductor supply chains. Key investments by Microchip Technology, Inc., and Advanced Micro Device, along with ongoing implementation of announcements by U.S. companies, are set to bolster these supply chains.

In telecommunications, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat 6G Alliance and Next G Alliance signifies a deeper cooperation between vendors and operators. Joint Task Forces in Open RAN and 5G/6G technologies were also initiated, with plans for a 5G Open RAN pilot in India. Both countries will collaborate on the Rip and Replace Program.

Cooperation in the quantum domain, biotechnology, and other scientific fields was reaffirmed. The leaders welcomed the establishment of the India-U.S. Global Challenges Institute and academic collaborations between institutions from both nations.

Gender equality in the digital economy and advancements in defense and security, including the procurement of remotely piloted aircraft, featured prominently in their discussions. They also highlighted the settlement of trade disputes and the promotion of innovation through the “Innovation Handshake” agenda.

Healthcare cooperation, cancer research, and POW/MIA recovery initiatives were lauded. The leaders pledged to continue fostering engagement between governments, industries, and academic institutions, working toward a bright and prosperous future that contributes to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

In this historic meeting, India and the United States have fortified their commitment to a partnership that spans diverse fields and bolsters global cooperation. As they look toward the future, the world watches with anticipation at the potential for their collaborative endeavors to shape a better world for all.