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PM Modi at White House: From Space to Visa – Strengthening India-US Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of economic and diplomatic ties between India and the US. During this visit, several agreements were announced, spanning various sectors such as defense, technology, microchips, and visa renewal. These agreements hold immense potential for collaboration and mutual benefits between the two nations.
Defense Cooperation and MQ9-Reaper Drones
One of the prominent agreements announced was the purchase of MQ9-Reaper drones by India from General Atomics, a leading American defense contractor. This deal, worth slightly over $3 billion, will see India acquiring 31 state-of-the-art drones. The MQ9-Reaper drones have advanced capabilities and are expected to bolster India’s defense capabilities significantly.
Microchip Investment by Micron Technology
Micron Technology, a renowned US memory chip firm, expressed its commitment to invest up to $825 million in a new chip assembly and test facility in Gujarat, India. The total investment in this facility is estimated to be around $2.75 billion. The Indian government and the Gujarat government will contribute 50% and 20% of the total investment, respectively. This investment is projected to create up to 5,000 new direct jobs, contributing to the growth of the Indian semiconductor industry.
Co-Production of GE 414 Jet Engines
General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) joined hands to forge an agreement for the co-production of GE 414 jet engines in India. This collaboration aims to enhance defense and technology-sharing between the two nations. The engines manufactured through this partnership will be utilized in the Tejas light-combat aircraft, further strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
Simplified Visa Renewal Process
The Biden administration has expressed its intention to make it easier for Indians to live and work in the United States. As part of a people-to-people initiative, the administration plans to introduce in-country renewable H-1B visas. This decision would alleviate the challenges faced by thousands of Indian professionals in renewing their work visas by eliminating the need for overseas travel. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring technical or theoretical expertise.
Collaborative Space Exploration
India and the US have announced their plans to sign the Artemis Accords, an alliance led by the United States to facilitate international collaboration in planetary exploration and research. This partnership in space exploration signifies the growing synergy between the two countries in scientific advancements and space missions. Additionally, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will collaborate with NASA on a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in the coming year, further strengthening bilateral space cooperation.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House has solidified the India-US relationship by paving the way for significant collaborations across various sectors. The agreements announced in defense, technology, microchips, and visa renewal highlight the shared interests and commitment to mutual growth between the two nations. These initiatives not only enhance economic cooperation but also foster diplomatic ties and promote scientific advancements. The future holds immense potential for further collaboration and achievements between India and the United States.
