Washington - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to wrap up his state visit to the United States with a series of significant engagements, focusing on meetings with U.S. and Indian business leaders in Washington. Throughout the visit, there has been a strong emphasis on nurturing deeper cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the fields of space exploration, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
President Joe Biden warmly received Modi on Thursday, praising the strong economic relationship between their countries, which has seen trade double over the past decade. Expanding on this momentum, Modi is scheduled to hold further discussions with top U.S. officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Asian American to hold the second-highest position in the White House, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a lunch at the State Department.
Underlining his vision of "Make in India," Modi will also deliver a speech to business leaders at the prestigious Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. The event is expected to attract influential figures, including CEOs from prominent American companies such as FedEx, MasterCard, and Adobe, as well as representatives from Indian firms like Tech Mahindra and Mastek, with a total of approximately 1,200 participants.
Modi aims to position India as a formidable force in both manufacturing and diplomacy, seeking to forge a stronger strategic partnership with the United States. In turn, Washington looks to India as a valuable strategic counterweight to China. Notable agreements announced during the visit include U.S. investments intended to bolster semiconductor manufacturing in India, reducing its dependence on China for electronics. Additionally, plans for collaboration in quantum computing, scientific research, technological innovation, and domestic arms production have been unveiled.
However, some political analysts express concerns about India's willingness to confront Beijing on issues such as Taiwan, among others. Moreover, India's close ties with Russia, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have occasionally caused frustration within the United States.
During his address to the U.S. Congress, Modi reiterated his commitment to peaceful resolutions and diplomatic dialogue, emphasizing the importance of avoiding war in the present era. In the face of mounting activism urging the Biden administration to address alleged human rights abuses in India, particularly concerning dissidents and minority communities, Modi affirmed that his government does not tolerate discrimination.
As his visit draws to a close, Modi will engage with members of the Indian diaspora, who have displayed unwavering enthusiasm and support throughout his trip, despite protests from some quarters. While Biden acknowledged having frank discussions on human rights with Modi, U.S. officials stress the significance of engaging with an ascending India for the sake of national security and economic prosperity.