US president Joe Biden and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi heralded a new era in the two countries’ relations during a state dinner at the White House on Thursday.
Though the two nations are not treaty-bound allies, the duo signed major commercial and defence deals aimed at countering the rise of China’s global influence.
The dinner hosted several prominent Silicon Valley executives, including Tim Cook from Apple, Anne Wojcicki from 23andMe, Sundar Pichai from Google, and Sam Altman from OpenAI. This gathering showcased the convergence of American and Indian innovation and technology.
One agreement will see US memory chip firm Micron Technology establish its first microchip factory in India with an investment of up to US$825.
The project, located in Modi’s state of Gujarat, will receive support from both the Indian central government and the state of Gujarat, bringing the total investment to US$2.75bn..
Another US semiconductor toolmaker Applied Materials announced a us$400mln investment over four years in a new engineering centre in India.
In the energy sector, a new venture supported by Indian solar panel manufacturer Vikram Solar announced plans to invest up to US$1.5bn in the US solar energy supply chain.
Highlighting the defence aspect of the relationship, General Electric (NYSE:GE)'s aerospace unit signed an agreement with India's state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics to manufacture fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force.
This landmark agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace's F414 engines in India, which will power the Tejas fighter jets.
On a personal front, Modi praised Biden's strong actions despite his “soft-spoken” demeanour.
“Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers. Cheers," Biden toasted.
Though the two leaders came together to indirectly criticise China, Modi’s relationship with Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin remains a rift between the two and went largely unspoken at the dinner.
The event was targeted by protestors and a boycott from come left-wing US congressional members including New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will boycott Prime Minister Modi's joint address to Congress. pic.twitter.com/DICpt7StvF
— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@RepAOC) June 21, 2023
Citing Modi’s perceived anti-Muslim policies, AOC called on colleagues “who stand for pluralism, tolerance and freedom of the press” to join her in boycotting Modi’s visit.