Modi and Biden Pledge to Deepen Partnership at G20 Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to deepen the partnership between their countries at the G20 summit in New Delhi. The leaders met to discuss a wide range of issues and highlighted the depth and breadth of their relationship.

How will the deepening partnership between India and the United States impact their respective positions in the Indo-Pacific region?

The deepening partnership between India and the United States will significantly impact their respective positions in the Indo-Pacific region. Firstly, it will strengthen their collective efforts to maintain a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. By aligning their strategies and resources, India and the US can effectively counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. Their partnership will enhance maritime security, promote stability, and ensure the freedom of navigation. With the Quad initiative gaining momentum, India and the US can together set common rules and norms for the Indo-Pacific, which will shape the region’s future dynamics. This deepening partnership will not only bolster their own positions but also contribute to regional stability and cooperation.

What are the potential implications of the collaboration between India and the United States in the space sector, particularly their joint effort to the International Space Station?

The collaboration between India and the United States in the space sector, particularly their joint effort to the International Space Station, has significant potential implications. Firstly, it signifies a leap forward in India’s space capabilities and showcases their technological prowess on a global stage. The joint effort to the International Space Station will allow India to access advanced research facilities and collaborate with other space-faring nations. This collaboration will foster knowledge sharing, scientific advancements, and innovation in space exploration and research. It will also create opportunities for Indian scientists and engineers to work alongside their American counterparts, leading to skill development and knowledge transfer. Furthermore, this collaboration will strengthen the ties between the two countries’ space agencies, opening avenues for future joint missions and projects.

How will the establishment of a renewable infrastructure investment fund and the deployment of green energy projects in India contribute to global efforts in addressing climate change?

The establishment of a renewable infrastructure investment fund and the deployment of green energy projects in India will have a significant impact on global efforts in addressing climate change. India is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its transition to renewable energy is crucial for achieving global climate goals. The renewable infrastructure investment fund will attract international investments and lower the cost of capital for green energy projects in India. This will enable the rapid deployment of renewable energy infrastructure and the scaling up of clean energy generation. India’s commitment to green energy projects will not only reduce its carbon footprint but also serve as an inspiration and example for other developing countries. By demonstrating the viability and benefits of renewable energy, India can encourage global action and accelerate the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future.

Full summary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to deepen the partnership between their countries at the Group of 20 (G20) summit in New Delhi. The leaders met to discuss a wide range of issues and issued a 29-point statement highlighting the depth and breadth of their relationship.

The meeting took place on the eve of the G20 leaders' summit, which is being hosted by Delhi. The G20 is made up of 19 countries and the EU, with India currently holding the Presidency. The theme of this year's summit is 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings.

During their meeting, Modi and Biden reaffirmed the importance of the Quad, an initiative that also includes Japan and Australia, in supporting a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. They discussed the need to set common rules collectively for the region and addressed their mutual unease about China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

The leaders also recognized the importance of technology in deepening their strategic partnership and lauded ongoing efforts through the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to build open, accessible, secure, and resilient technology ecosystems. They announced a midterm review of iCET in September 2023 and expressed their commitment to driving momentum toward the next annual review in early 2024.

In addition, Modi and Biden discussed their countries' collaboration in the space sector. They congratulated the scientists and engineers of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the south polar region of the Moon. They also announced discussions on modalities, capacity building, and training for a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024.

The leaders expressed their commitment to building resilient global semiconductor supply chains and welcomed investments from U.S. companies in India's research, development, and engineering operations. They also emphasized the importance of secure and trusted telecommunications and welcomed cooperation between Indian and U.S. companies in the field of Open RAN and 5G/6G technologies.

Modi and Biden highlighted their shared commitment to addressing global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development. They welcomed the progress made in expanding electric mobility in India and announced joint support for the procurement of 10,000 made-in-India electric buses. They also announced the establishment of a renewable infrastructure investment fund, which will lower the cost of capital and accelerate the deployment of green energy projects in India.

The leaders discussed their countries' collaboration in defense and security, with a focus on space and AI. They welcomed the commencement of negotiations for a commercial agreement to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India and expressed their commitment to supporting the advancement of this proposal. They also applauded the establishment of the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to address shared security challenges.

Modi and Biden reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and diversifying the India-U.S. Major Defence Partnership through expanded cooperation in new and emerging domains. They welcomed the renewal of partnerships between Indian and American universities and the establishment of the India-U.S. Global Challenges Institute.

Overall, the meeting between Modi and Biden at the G20 summit showcased the strengthening partnership between India and the United States and their shared commitment to addressing global challenges for a brighter and prosperous future.