AGREEMENTS SIGNED ON PM MODI’S VISIT TO US

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Context: The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States.

Details

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the White House's South Lawn by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
• The visit emphasized a "next generation partnership" between India and the United States.
• The event witnessed the presence of cabinet officials, thousands of diaspora members, and chants of "Modi, Modi" from the attendees.

Concerns and Democratic Values

• Concerns were raised about Prime Minister Modi's past as Chief Minister of Gujarat and democratic backsliding in India.
• Over 70 lawmakers wrote to President Biden, urging him to address democratic norms and human rights during discussions with PM Modi.
• Former President Barack Obama appealed to PM Modi to protect ethnic minorities in India.
• Both leaders stressed the significance of democracy, diversity, equity, and the power of example in their speeches.

Bilateral Deliverables and Agreements

• The visit resulted in a wide range of deliverables spanning defense, critical and emerging technology, health, energy, and mobility.
• General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) signed an MoU for co-production of GE 414 Jet Engines for the indigenous Tejas Mk2 light combat aircraft.
• India's purchase of armed drones and collaboration in defense industrial innovation through the 'INDUS-X' platform were announced.
• Micron Technology, Inc. planned to invest in a new chip assembly and test facility in Gujarat, supported by the Indian government and Gujarat State government.
• Space cooperation was strengthened with India joining a framework for space exploration and agreeing to a mission to the International Space Station in 2024.

Visa Renewal Program and Consulate Openings

• A pilot program for domestic visa renewal for certain petition-based temporary workers was announced.
• The program aimed to streamline visa processes and could potentially expand to cover skilled visas like H1b and L visas.
• Two new U.S. consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad were planned, while India would reopen its consulate in Seattle and announce new consulates elsewhere.

GE Aerospace's MoU and Engine Production

• GE Aerospace signed an MoU with HAL to produce fighter jet engines for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
• The agreement included the potential joint production of GE Aerospace's F414 engines in India.
• GE's involvement in the LCA program and collaboration on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program were highlighted.

INDUS-X and Defense Acceleration Ecosystem

• INDUS-X, the India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem, was launched to promote collaboration between Indian and U.S. start-ups and tech companies.
• The event showcased technologies from 15 Indian start-ups and 10 U.S. start-ups in domains like maritime, AI, autonomous systems, and space.
• Collaboration opportunities in deep-tech innovations, particularly in the space and AI domains, were emphasized.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q)Discuss the key agreements and collaborations made between India and the United States. Analyze the potential implications of these agreements on various sectors such as trade, defense, technology, and climate change. (250 words)

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