From massive jet engine deal to US Congress address - What to expect from PM Modi's state visit
1 min read 20 Jun 2023, 03:08 AM ISTIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the US for a state visit with major announcements expected, including a potential deal for transfer of critical jet engine technology.
PremiumPrime Minister Narendra Modi will head to the United States on Monday for a state visit billed as a turning point for bilateral relations. Major announcements are expected during the trip - from a potential deal for transfer of critical jet engine technology to a joint Congress address. While Modi has made several visits to the US over the past nine years, this will be his first with the full diplomatic status of an official state visit. It is also just the third such event hosted by President Joe Biden, and the third to be attended by any Indian leader.
During the three-day visit that begins in New York on June 21, Modi will be hosted by President Biden for a state dinner and a private family dinner, attend lunch with Vice-President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and address a joint session of Congress for the second time. He will also meet American CEOs and lead an International Yoga Day event at the UN headquarters.
Several significant announcements are expected during this trip with a focus on deeper cooperation in the defence industry and sharing of high technology. According to a Reuters report quoting officials, cooperation in semiconductors, cyberspace, aerospace, strategic infrastructure and communication, commercial space projects, quantum computing and the use of artificial intelligence in industrial and defence fields, will also be discussed.
The US is likely to approve establishment of engine manufacturing capabilities within India. General Electric may soon produce the GE-F414 jet engine for domestically produced fighter jets as part of a a multi-million-dollar deal with Hindustan Aeronautics.
India is also expected to finalize the procurement of 31 armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics - a deal amounting to $3 billion.
(With inputs from agencies)