PM Narendra Modi’s U.S. Visit

Why in News?

PM Narendra Modi’s U.S. Visit: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. During this meeting, both countries agreed to strengthen strategic relations in the areas of defense, energy security, technology, and trade.

Key Highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s U.S. Visit

• Global Strategic Partnership
  • Launch of the U.S.-India Compact: Prime Minister Modi and President Trump initiated a new initiative named the “U.S.-India Compact for the 21st Century” to enhance military partnership, fast-track commerce, and technological opportunities.
  • Defense Cooperation: India and the U.S. announced that a new 10-year framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership will be signed this year.
  • Integration of U.S. Defense Products: Several advanced American defense systems are already part of India’s military, including the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, and AH-64E Apache helicopters.
  • New Defense Procurements: India announced new procurement and co-production agreements for Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles. Additionally, India plans to expand the acquisition of P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. The U.S. has also paved the way for F-35 fighter jets to be supplied to India.
  • Autonomous Systems: India and the U.S. launched a new initiative, the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), to co-develop and co-produce maritime systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
  • Technology Exchange: India, recognized as a Major Defense Partner under the Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1), will review its defense trade regulations with the U.S. and initiate negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) Agreement.
  • Joint Military Exercises: The two nations will expand military exercises, including the “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise launched in 2019.
• Trade and Investment Cooperation
  • “Mission 500”: Modi and Trump set an ambitious goal to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
  • Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA): Both leaders announced the start of negotiations for a multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the end of 2025 to:
    • Strengthen bilateral trade in goods and services.
    • Reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers.
    • Deepen supply chain integration.
• Trade Relations Enhancement: India announced tariff reductions on bourbon whiskey, motorcycles, ICT products, and metals.
• Job Creation & Investments: Greenfield investments between the two nations have created over 3,000 high-quality jobs.
• Energy Security Partnership
  • Global Energy Prices: India and the U.S. emphasized the need to increase hydrocarbon production. The U.S. fully supports India’s full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA).
  • Energy Trade: Plans to enhance trade in crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) were announced.
  • Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Both countries agreed to advance the 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement and develop small modular reactors (SMRs).
  • Energy Laws & Reforms: India plans to amend the Nuclear Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) to facilitate bilateral nuclear cooperation.
• Technology and Innovation
  • U.S.-India Trust Initiative: A new initiative was launched to boost cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, energy, and space.
  • Infrastructure Development: Collaboration on AI infrastructure and next-generation data centers was emphasized.
  • “Indus Innovation”: A follow-up to the Indus-X platform, promoting U.S.-India industry and academic collaboration in emerging technologies.
  • R&D Cooperation: Both nations plan to enhance research and development in critical minerals and supply chain security.
  • Space Collaboration: India and the U.S. declared 2025 as a landmark year for civilian space cooperation. Initiatives include:
    • Sending the first Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • The NISAR mission, using radar technology to map Earth’s surface changes.
• Multilateral Cooperation
  • QUAD Partnership: India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia reaffirmed commitments to international law, governance, and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.
  • Middle East Engagement: Plans were announced for collaboration under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 group.
  • Maritime Security: India committed to leading the Joint Maritime Forces Task Force for enhanced regional security.

Important Agreements Between India and the United States

India and the United States have signed several important agreements in various fields such as strategic cooperation, defense, nuclear, energy, and cybersecurity. These agreements strengthen the security partnership between both countries and contribute to global stability and development.

• General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) – 2002: This agreement ensures the security and confidentiality of military information between India and the United States. Its primary objective is to securely exchange sensitive military information between the two countries’ armed forces and establish a safe framework for sharing intelligence.
• India-US Nuclear Agreement – 2008: This agreement was a significant step towards shaping India’s nuclear energy sector and strategic cooperation. Under this agreement, the United States allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology and fuel. Following this agreement, India received a special exemption from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), allowing it to import nuclear material from other countries. Cooperation between India and the United States in establishing nuclear power plants increased.
• Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) – 2016: LEMOA is an agreement that enhances military supply and logistics cooperation between India and the United States. The main objective is to allow the two countries’ armed forces to use each other’s military bases and facilities, cooperate on refueling, repairs, and other logistical needs, and enhance coordination in joint military and humanitarian assistance operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
• India-US Strategic Energy Partnership – 2017: This agreement aimed to strengthen cooperation between India and the United States in energy security, clean energy, and sustainable development. The main objectives were to increase investment and trade in the oil and natural gas sectors, and to collaborate on renewable energy (solar, wind) and nuclear energy technologies.
• Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) – 2018: COMCASA facilitates secure communication and data sharing between the armed forces of India and the United States. It allows India access to high-level military communication equipment from the U.S. and provides direct connectivity to the U.S. military networks for combat aircraft, drones, and other military equipment.

Major Challenges in India-US Relations

Despite the growing strategic, military, and economic ties between India and the United States, there are still several key issues and challenges that remain. These challenges not only affect bilateral relations but also impact global diplomacy and trade.

• Different Perspectives on Pakistan: India has consistently raised the issue of Pakistan supporting terrorism and advocates for a tough stance against Pakistan. On the other hand, the United States has historically provided economic and military aid to Pakistan. While the U.S. stance has shifted in recent years, its softer approach toward Pakistan continues to be a concern for India.
• Afghanistan Crisis: After the United States withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 2021, it adopted a softer approach toward accepting the Taliban regime, while India has consistently supported the establishment of stability in Afghanistan through democratic governance, education, and basic infrastructure. India believes that engagement with the Taliban should be limited, while the U.S. views it as a diplomatic necessity.
• Balancing Relations with Iran and the U.S.: Iran is an important energy supplier and strategic partner for India, especially due to the Chabahar Port project. However, U.S. sanctions and policies against Iran pose a challenge for India. India must balance its relations with both the United States and Iran, which at times affects its energy supply and strategic projects.
• U.S. Sanctions on Russia: India and Russia have had strong ties in defense, energy, and trade for decades. India purchased the S-400 missile system from Russia, which could be subject to U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Maintaining a balance between Russia and the United States is becoming increasingly difficult for India as the U.S. continues to impose sanctions on Russia.

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