PM Modi US visit centers on India-US roadmap for defence industrial cooperation
2 min read 20 Jun 2023, 10:48 AM ISTIndia's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the US to advance a plan for defence-industrial collaboration. The defence industrial production roadmap will be a key outcome during the visit, emphasising joint development and production of hardware within defence supply chains.
PremiumForeign Secretary Vinay Kwatra stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States aims to advance the plan for defence industrial collaboration. This plan seeks to establish stronger connections between the defence industries and research organizations of both countries.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized that the visit should be viewed primarily in the context of establishing connections for joint development and production of military platforms and collaboration in critical technologies. The focus is on fostering broader cooperation rather than individual defence deals.
According to reports, it is anticipated that India and the US will announce advancements in significant defence agreements during Prime Minister Modi's visit.
These agreements may include the manufacturing of GE Aviation's F414 engine and the procurement of 31 MQ-9 weaponized drones. Senior US officials have also mentioned progress in closer cooperation for the development and production of semiconductors.
While speaking on the aforementioned deals, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized that the relationship between India and the United States should not be viewed solely from the perspective of military equipment deals. He suggested that the broader aspects of the relationship should be considered, indicating a focus on collaboration beyond narrow defence agreements.
The defence industrial production roadmap will “hopefully be one of the very key outcomes during this visit", he said.
The roadmap outlined for defence cooperation emphasizes joint development and production of hardware, enhanced cooperation between defence industrial ecosystems, and improved connectivity within defence supply chains. While the India-US defence relationship is extensive and covers various aspects, the noteworthy focus is on enhancing cooperation between defence companies.
Kwatra described the defence ties between the two countries as strong and dynamic, highlighting the numerous bilateral and regional military exercises conducted. He also acknowledged the regular staff-to-staff engagements between the armed forces and emphasized India's significant deployment of US equipment and platforms.
Meanwhile, the leadership at a leading India-US advocacy group have said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is able to build relationships with various stakeholders in the US and his visit sends a strong message that the bilateral relationship is pivotal and the most defining partnership of the 21st century, reported PTI.
On June 22, Prime Minister Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House, followed by one-on-one and delegation-level meetings with President Biden. Additionally, he is scheduled to deliver a speech to a joint session of the US Congress and participate in a ceremonial state dinner hosted by President Biden.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet a prominent cross-section of personalities while he is in the US, both in New York and in Washington DC. This would include some prominent CEOs also, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra added.