Modi, Biden talk semiconductors, defence and UNSC reform in bilateral meet
Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden picked up from where they left off in June during their bilateral meeting on Friday in advance of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. “The leaders called on their governments to continue the work of transforming the India-U.S.
Strategic Partnership across all dimensions of our multifaceted global agenda, based on trust and mutual understanding," reads a joint statement released by the White House after their meeting. Defence cooperation received a boost during Modi’s June state visit to America after General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the manufacture of GE F-414 jet engines in India, for HAL’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2.
The deal cleared the notification process required by US Congress with no objections raised, which means that both governments can now negotiate the terms of the agreement. It is expected to involve significant transfer of technology to India.
Modi and Biden also spoke of India’s intent to purchase MQ-9B Predator drones from US firm General Atomics. The two leaders also welcomed India’s role as a repair and maintenance hub for US Navy vessels and increased efforts to bring private players in the defence industry together.
Semiconductors, which have been a key strategic focus for both countries, also featured in the talks. “The leaders reiterated their support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains, noting in this respect a multi-year initiative of Microchip Technology, Inc., to invest approximately US$300 million in expanding its research and development presence in India and Advanced Micro Device’s announcement to invest US$400 million in India over the next five years to expand
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