Embracing Partnership: US-India Talks Focus on Openness, Freedom, and Strategic Collaboration

As India and the United States forge ahead as trusted partners, discussions between the two countries will center on the significance of “openness and freedom”. Contrary to assumptions, there is a greater convergence of views even on divergent issues like Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting the growing alignment between India and the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit will further strengthen President Joe Biden’s vision of the two nations becoming among the closest allies worldwide, with tangible outcomes on the agenda.

Key insiders have shed light on the expected deliverables in the joint statement, revealing breakthroughs in various sectors. The GE F414 jet engine deal is just the beginning, with a wide range of collaborations in telecom, semiconductors, mobility, civil-nuclear cooperation, trade, space, higher education, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and counter-narcotics. Both systems recognize that the leadership of national security advisers Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan, coupled with the initiative on critical and emerging technologies (ICET), has propelled the bilateral process forward swiftly.

One of the notable outcomes will be the establishment of a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India, featuring significant investments from Micron and other American companies, along with workforce training initiatives to equip Indian engineers with essential skills in this domain. In the realm of telecom, the joint statement is expected to announce the deployment of the open radio access network (ORAN) for 5G and 6G in select Indian cities, countering Huawei’s dominance and presenting an alternative model. Cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies will also be emphasised, recognizing India’s crucial role in shaping regulatory frameworks.

Civil-nuclear cooperation, previously hindered by liability concerns, will be addressed in some form, aiming to unlock commercial opportunities for American companies. Higher education and space collaboration will remain high on the agenda, reflecting the shared priorities of the two nations.

Additionally, the US will announce the opening of more consulates in India, enhancing people-to-people connections, while also allowing the re-issuance of H1B visas within America to streamline the visa renewal process. Trade disputes will be tackled at the World Trade Organization, signalling a commitment to resolve outstanding issues and foster supply chain diversification and investments, including in sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

Despite differing responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both sides acknowledge the commonalities in their positions. The importance of democratic values, particularly “openness and freedom,” will be a key aspect of private conversations between the two leaders. While discussions will not be defined by perceptions of democratic backsliding or human rights violations in India, President Biden is expected to underscore to Prime Minister Modi that India’s global leadership hinges on maintaining the quality of its democracy and preserving its open and free character, which underpin its development model and technological prowess.

These talks signify a deepening partnership between India and the US, where shared values and strategic convergence pave the way for substantial collaboration across various domains.