US President Joe Biden hailed a new era in the US-India relationship, after rolling out the White House red carpet for Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on June 22, pushing deals on defense and commerce.
The partnership between the world’s two big democracies is “stronger, closer and more dynamic than at any time in history,” Biden told reporters at a joint press conference with Modi, and the economic relationship is “booming,” with trade more than doubling over the past decade.
Prime Minister Modi also called the current times as “a new chapter” to the countries’ “strategic partnership” post their meeting in the Oval Office.
About 7,000 well-wishers gathered at the opening ceremony at the White House, featuring a cappella group Penn Masala performing renditions of songs by the American group Maroon 5 and Hindi films.
During PM Modi’s visit, the countries signed several deals. General Electric will produce jet engines in India to power Indian military aircraft, through an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics. US Navy ships in the region will be able to stop in Indian shipyards for repairs under a maritime agreement, and India will procure US-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. US chipmaker Micron Technology plans a new semiconductor testing and packaging unit in Gujarat.
The US will also make it easier for skilled Indian workers to get and renew U.S. visas. India also agreed to join the US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration and to work with NASA on a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.
