Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a 3-day state visit to the US, was given a grand welcome today at the White House, where he held bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden. Later, he will address the joint-sitting of the US Congress.
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PM Modi was welcomed with a 19-gun salute and playing of the national anthems at the south lawns of the White House. Welcoming PM Modi, President Biden said, "We have spent a lot of time together, since I was Vice President... Given the situation of the world, it is essential that India-US work together".
Thanking President Biden, PM Modi said: "The ties between India and the US are based on the democratic values. The constitutions of both countries begin with the words 'We the people'. Both nations feel pride in our diversity... In the post-Covid era, the world order is taking a new shape. For global good, world peace and stability, we are committed to working together."
Later, PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Biden -- one on one as well as delegation-level talks, after which he declared that this day "has huge significance in India-US relations".
"This is a new chapter, direction and energy to our comprehensive partnership. US is India's biggest trade partner," PM Modi said in the joint statement after bilateral talks. He also demarcated the fresh areas where the two countries are going to collaborate – artificial intelligence, semi-conductors, space and telecom.
The Prime Minister will address a joint sitting of the two houses of the US Congress -- a second time for him -- which will be followed by dinner at the White House. A second joint address is a first for an Indian leader and a rarity for the rest of the world as well.
Through the day, several big-ticket announcements were made that ranged from defence cooperation to space expedition, which are expected to deepen the ties between the two nations. Sources said visa rules have been tweaked and both nations will open an extra consulate, it has been decided.
General Electric's aerospace arm has announced that it has teamed up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to make fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force in India. The US has never allowed the transfer of this level of technology to anyone and the manufacturing unit is expected to be transformational for Indian airspace.
In a big push for "Make in India", PM Modi has invited Micron Technology, a prominent American chip maker, to set up an assembly plant in the country. The Micron semiconductor test, assembly plant will be come up in Gujarat with total investment of $2.75 billion. Semiconductors are essential for computers, household appliances, cameras, phone and even pacemakers.
India and the US are set to announce H-1B visa processing changes and open new consulates, sources said. A percentage of workers will be able to renew their H-1B visas in the US without having to return to India. The sixth Indian consulate in the US will come up in Seattle and will also cover Alaska.
India will also be joining Artemis Accords, a US-led effort to send humans to the moon again by 2025, with the ultimate goal of expanding space exploration to Mars and beyond, White House sources said.
