Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in Washington touted the "new energy" of the partnership with the United States while rejecting, in a rare exchange with the press, criticism of its record on rights and freedoms. In a lengthy statement, which outlines military, technological and economic projects in 58 points, Joe Biden and his guest say they have established "the most comprehensive vision to date for the progress of the bilateral relationship," and write that their "ambitions will reach new heights" in the future.
The US president, anxious to strengthen ties with India to stand up to China, praised at a press conference a bilateral relationship "stronger, closer and more dynamic than ever". In a rare if not unprecedented thing for a leader who avoids such interactions, the Hindu nationalist leader responded at this event to an American journalist.
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The latter questioned him about the accusations of repression of Muslims and authoritarian drift issued by many associations as well as by the UN. "In India's democratic values there is absolutely no discrimination," including on the basis of religion, he said. The subject followed Narendra Modi during his address to the US Congress. Democratic parliamentarians, although allies of the president, boycotted his visit. Narendra Modi had, before becoming prime minister 9 years ago, been undesirable for years in the United States because of "serious violations of religious freedom". He was accused of doing nothing, as leader of the state of Gujarat, to contain deadly violence against Muslims.
Common strategic interests
This time, no more visa problems, but the red carpet and all the pomp of the White House for the Indian Prime Minister, in the name of common strategic interests against the Chinese giant. India is engaged in a border dispute with China, while Joe Biden seeks to strengthen his position in the all-out rivalry between Washington and Beijing. The US president, however, assured that he still hoped to meet "soon" his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, whom he recently classified in the category of "dictators", to the chagrin of Beijing. After a reception with military honours for his arrival, Narendra Modi will be treated to an elegant gala dinner in the evening. The menu, in his honor, will be vegetarian and inspired by Indian cuisine.
The strongest announcement on Thursday was the future manufacture in India of F-414 fighter jet engines by conglomerate General Electric. It is a "foundational" partnership, said Narendra Modi, synonymous with significant transfers of American technology. India will also acquire US combat drones. Joe Biden can only rejoice to see India diversify its defense equipment, which is historically dependent on Russia in this area, and which has adopted a reserved position vis-à-vis Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine. However, Narendra Modi called on Thursday, in his joint statement with the US president, to respect the "territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine.
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The visit also deepened the economic and technological relationship, as the United States became India's largest trading partner. The two countries settled several trade disputes on Thursday. The American group Micron, heavyweight in the manufacture of these essential computer components, has announced an investment of more than $ 800 million in a factory in India.
Both countries need to strengthen their domestic industries and diversify supply chains, which the Covid-19 pandemic has shown how fragile they can be. In addition, the two countries intend to launch a joint mission next year to the International Space Station, while India joins the "Artemis Accords", a multilateral framework set at the initiative of the United States to avoid conflicts in the conquest and exploration of space. The US is not alone in courting India. Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour at the French National Day military parade in Paris on 14 July.