Investing.com - During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to the United States this month, significant advancements are expected in bilateral relations between the two nations. According to the Pentagon, notable announcements may be made regarding defense industrial cooperation and enhancing India’s indigenous military capabilities.
The invitation for PM Modi’s first-ever state visit was extended by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The four-day trip is scheduled to begin on June 21st, with a state dinner hosted by President Biden and the First Lady on June 22nd. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner anticipates that this historic visit will establish new benchmarks for future cooperation between both countries.
Ratner also highlighted that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recently visited India to lay the groundwork ahead of PM Modi's visit. Among the key priorities discussed were strategic alignment concerning co-development and co-production within defense sectors as well as bolstering India's indigenous defense industry base.
In January, an initiative called iCET (initiative for critical and emerging technology) was launched by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. This collaboration aims at strengthening technological cooperation between both nations with a strong focus on defense components.
Ratner expressed confidence that big announcements would be made during PM Modi’s visit about specific projects around defense industrial collaboration. Additionally, he mentioned increased operational coordination involving various domains such as space, cyber security, and undersea operations in the Indian Ocean region along with information-sharing initiatives.
Over recent years there has been remarkable progress in US-India relationships which have seen enhanced strategic alignment from both sides towards achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific vision; something considered essential given China’s expanding military presence in disputed areas like the South China Sea.
The bilateral defense relationship between the United States and India aims to support India's military modernization while promoting the integration of defense industrial bases through co-production and co-development initiatives. Both nations believe that a stronger, more self-reliant India is beneficial for both countries' interests in the region.