A defence agreement between Joe Biden and Narendra Modi calls for the sale of US drones and fighter aircraft engines to India. This accord represents a substantial improvement in US-India relations and is viewed as a critical step in containing China’s military buildup.
As part of the agreement, US Navy ships would be permitted to dock in Indian shipyards for maintenance, enhancing defence cooperation between the two nations. The connection between the US and India is crucial in handling the opportunities and problems of the twenty-first century, according to President Biden.
The timing of this arrangement is critical because the US has voiced concerns about India’s tight relations to Russia during the situation in Ukraine.
The US hopes to create a network of alliances to counterbalance China’s influence by deepening its alliance with India. In what is being referred to as Cold War II with China, Prof. Maya Jasanoff writes in the New York Times about the significance of having India as an ally.
During his visit to the US, Narendra Modi addressed both chambers of Congress and attended a special dinner at the White House. The primary component of the defence agreement entails the development of F414 engines by the aerospace division of General Electric in cooperation with Hindustan Aeronautics of India. Tejas fighter planes will be propelled by these engines.
In addition, the US will sell 31 armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to India for more than $3 billion. Agreements were also reached in other areas during the visit, such as Micron Technology’s intention to build a semiconductor testing and packaging facility in Gujarat, the home state of Narendra Modi. Additionally, the US has promised to simplify the visa application procedure for qualified Indian employees.In addition, India and NASA have decided to collaborate on a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.
