Times Asia News.com | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington yesterday, beginning a state visit that the U.S. hopes will draw India closer.
Today, Modi will address a joint session of Congress and be feted by President Biden and the first lady during a state dinner at the White House. He is only the third world leader to be welcomed with a lavish state visit by the current administration.
We reached out to Mujib Mashal, our South Asia bureau chief, to tell us what to expect. His responses were lightly edited.
What are the stakes of this visit?
Mujib: For Modi, this visit is an affirmation of his transformation into a global statesman and the leader of a country that is arriving on the international stage largely on its own terms. He and his diplomats feel that India has not been given its due — for its sheer size, for its economic promise and for its cultural and technological contribution.
The fact that Biden is rolling out the red carpet — despite India’s resistance to taking a stance on the war in Ukraine and concerns over Modi’s undermining of democracy — is a testament to the U.S. view of India as an indispensable power. That is in part because of India’s economic rise, but also because of geopolitics. As the U.S. finds itself increasingly clashing with China, India can have a pivotal role to play in “checkmating” Beijing.
What does Modi want from Biden?
Modi wants defense and technology cooperation, particularly to draw American investment and technology. India’s military remains deeply dependent on Russia for supplies, and New Delhi has been looking to increase domestic manufacturing and diversify its sources. But, more important, Modi wants a larger say for India on the international stage, including at the United Nations Security Council, and a convergence of interests with the U.S. can help with that.
What does Biden want from Modi?
Beyond drone sales and expanding trade and technological ties, Biden is looking to keep India close as U.S. leadership of the old global order is increasingly tested. The excitement in expanding relations with India comes after a long and cold history, where each side mistrusts the other. Over the past decades, the two have expanded relations, particularly in building defense ties from near scratch. The recent impetus is as much because of India’s growth as it is because of factors external to it, particularly America’s China conundrum. (**)
Source: The New York Times for Times Asia News.com, under the headline "Modi Begins a State Visit to the U.S."
