Context: In the recent visit of India’s PM Mr Narendra Modi is going to take the strategic partnership of India with the next level.
Major points of India US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
Regular Bilateral visits: The political connect at the leadership level, a high level of and very intense level of political exchanges has been one of the key features of relationship between Indian and the USA
Burgeoning Economic partnership: The second key component, which has been a very strong pillar of relationship has been strong trade and investment partnership. If one looks at the quantum of bilateral trade, touching close to $200 billion, or the strong flow of capital on both sides.
Technology Cooperation: The technology component and technology component interfaces in the telecom area, in the space area, in the manufacturing domain. Along with it a lot of triangulation of technology, manufacturing and investment can be identified as the next pillar of strong ties between India and US.
Strong Diaspora connect: Another key component, always a very vibrant, robust and dynamic component of relationship and a strong driver of the relationship is also the Diaspora and interface with Diaspora.
India has close to 5 million strong Indian Diaspora in the US, which contributes enormously and very richly to the growth, the substance and the strength of the relationship.
Emerging Areas of cooperation: There is deepening of partnership, skilling and mobility as the whole new domain of renewable energy, health, environment and green partnership which has emerged as the new area of cooperation.
During the recent official state visit of PM Modi to US, the two leaders have reiterated the recent visit and concluded agreements as a ‘new stage’ in the India US relationship.
- India and the U.S.announced a number of agreements on defence cooperation, critical and emerging technologies, health, environment, visas and space including a deal which could pave the way for an unprecedented transfer of jet engine technology.
- The leaders also highlighted that both countries share democratic values, while addressing a gathering of officials and thousands of members of the Indian-American diaspora.
- In the field of defence partnership in a recent move General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has signed a big-ticket MoU to jointly produce GE 414 jet engines in India for the Tejas Mk2 light combat aircraft. This comes as significant development as the US has been able to overcome bureaucratic roadblocks.
- The Defence Ministries of the two countries also launched the inaugural session of an innovation platform INDUS-X which was organised by the U.S. India Business Council, to foster defence industrial collaboration.
- In space cooperation, India is signing on to a framework of 25 countries for space exploration and cooperation. The two countries have agreed on a mission to the International Space Station in 2024.
- The leaders appreciated the rapid progress made through initiatives such as the Critical and Emerging Technologies(iCET) and the keen desire to elevate strategic technology collaborations to build resilient supply chains. They welcomed the deepening cooperation in critical minerals and space sectors.
- The big private sector deals coinciding with the visit was U.S. semiconductor and chip maker Micron Technology, Inc’s announcement that it would invest up to $825 million in a new chip assembly and test facility in Gujarat, which would be bolstered by investment from the Indian and Gujarat governments, totalling $2.75 billion.
- The leaders reiterated their commitment to combating climate change and achieving a sustainable future and discussed ways to promote clean and renewable energy and collaborate on climate initiatives.
- The U.S. also announced a pilot programme to renew visas domestically which means that applicants do not have to travel outside the U.S. to get their renewal stamps for certain petition-based temporary workers.
- This programme could expand to cover H1B and L-1 skilled visas by 2024 and to other categories eventually.
- The U.S also announced that it will also open two new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad to further give boost to people to people relationship.
Indian PM Addresses US congress
- Indian Prime Minister also addressed a Joint Sitting of the US Congress and spoke about the rapid strides made in India-US bilateral relations and shared his vision for elevating bilateral ties.
- PM also outlined the enormous progress made by India and the opportunities that it presents for the world.
- Prime Minister also conveyed his appreciation for the long-standing and strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening of India-US relations.
Indian PM also attended the event, “India and USA: Skilling for Future”
- The event focused on workforce redevelopment across higher education institutions to expand and enhance access to quality education across society.
- Indian Prime Minister presented 5-point proposals for energising India-USA collaboration in education and research sector, as follows:
- Integrated approach bringing together government, industry and academia.
- Encouraging exchange of Teachers & Students.
- Organising Hackathons on various subjects between the two countries.
- Mutual recognition of vocational skills qualifications.
- Encouraging visits of people associated with education and research.
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