Biden hails Modi’s Ukraine trip, lauds India’s global role

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said “very important” conversations were under way with multiple people on all sides of the Ukraine crisis. He said “people see value in India’s engagement in these conversations.

Highlights:

• During wide-ranging talks on September 21, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for India's push for reforms in global institutions, including a permanent seat for India on the UN Security Council. This was conveyed in a joint factsheet following the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wilmington, Delaware.

Bilateral and Global Discussions

• Key Global Challenges: Ukraine Conflict and Indo-Pacific Tensions:
  • Both leaders addressed major global challenges:
  • The Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri hinting at "important" ongoing conversations.
  • The Indo-Pacific situation, with concerns about China's increasing assertiveness.
  • President Biden praised India’s leading role in global diplomacy, highlighting Mr. Modi’s leadership in the G-20 and Global South.
• India's Role in Global Maritime Security:
  • India’s leadership in Combined Task Force 150 was discussed, where India will co-lead efforts to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea starting in 2025.

Strengthening India-U.S. Partnership

Semiconductor and Technology Cooperation:

• The talks emphasized collaboration in semiconductors and clean energy:
• The leaders hailed an arrangement to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, telecommunications, and green energy.
• They also highlighted the new partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the India Semiconductor Mission under the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund.

Automotive Sector Developments:

• Ford Motor Company submitted a Letter of Intent to use its Chennai plant for manufacturing, aiming to export to global markets. This is part of efforts to build secure and resilient supply chains for automotive markets.

India’s Commitment to Clean and Fair Economy

Signing the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Agreement:

• India signed the IPEF clean and fair economy agreements to facilitate the development and deployment of clean energy and climate-friendly technologies.
• The agreements aim to accelerate energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote technical cooperation.
• These initiatives will encourage investment, project financing, and workforce development in clean energy industries.

Prelims Takeaways:

• Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)