1. PM Modi and President Biden met at Biden’s Wilmington home during the Quad Summit.
2. They issued a joint statement focusing on cooperation in defense, economy, clean energy, and global health.
3. Key areas of collaboration include development initiatives.
Wilmington, Sep 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held a significant bilateral meeting at Biden’s home in Wilmington, Delaware, during the Quad Summit.
The discussions resulted in a joint statement emphasizing cooperation in key areas such as defense, economy, clean energy, global health, and development.
One of the major highlights was the agreement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant in Kolkata, backed by the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic partnership involving Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.
According to the White House, “President Biden and Prime Minister Modi celebrated a landmark arrangement to create a semiconductor plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics, crucial for national security, next-gen telecommunications, and green energy applications.”
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Additionally, Biden expressed enthusiasm over India’s procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian drones, which are expected to enhance India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This nearly $3 billion deal is part of India’s efforts to bolster its military presence, particularly along its border with China.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The leaders also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the US Small Business Administration, aimed at fostering collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries. The MoU includes initiatives such as capacity-building workshops focusing on trade, export finance, technology, and the green economy.
During the meeting, they launched the US-India Global Digital Development Partnership, which seeks to unite private sector companies and resources from both nations to promote responsible use of emerging digital technologies across Asia and Africa.
Indo-Pacific Security Initiatives
A new Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) was announced, designed to enhance maritime security in the region and enforce laws to deter unlawful activities. India is set to host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025.
Biden reaffirmed US support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member in a reformed UN Security Council, underscoring India’s critical role on the global stage.
