US and India to Deepen Defense and Tech Ties in Historic Visit

The United States and India are set to announce a slew of defense and technology collaborations on Thursday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit, U.S. officials said.

The announcements are part of a broader effort by the two countries to deepen their strategic partnership and reduce their reliance on China.

On the defense front, the two countries are expected to announce a deal to jointly produce F414 jet engines in India, involving General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics. They are also expected to announce master ship repair agreements that will lead to cost and time savings for the U.S. military.

In addition, the two countries are expected to launch the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem, which will aim to integrate India’s growing private sector defense industry with the U.S. defense sector.

On the technology front, the two countries are expected to announce agreements on strengthening critical minerals supply chains, advancing telecommunication capabilities, and working on artificial intelligence developments. They are also expected to announce that Applied Materials will be opening a new semiconductor center for commercialization and innovation in India.

The announcements come at a time when the U.S. is adopting a strategy of “friend-shoring” as it diversifies away from China and taps into the potential of other countries in the region. India is seen as a key partner in this effort, given its growing economic and military power.

The deepening of U.S.-India ties is also seen as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. China has been expanding its military presence in the region, and the U.S. and India are working together to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a free and open region.

The announcements on Thursday are a significant step forward in the U.S.-India strategic partnership. They demonstrate the two countries’ commitment to working together to address common challenges and to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The implications of the announcements on Thursday are significant. The deepening of U.S.-India ties will help to reduce India’s reliance on China, and it will also send a strong signal to China that the U.S. and India are committed to working together to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The announcements on defense and technology will also help to boost the Indian economy and create jobs. The joint production of F414 jet engines in India, for example, will create jobs in the Indian defense industry. And the opening of a new semiconductor center in India by Applied Materials will help to boost India’s growing semiconductor industry. This will be a significant step forward in the U.S.-India relationship, and they will have a positive impact on both countries.

Adele Simmons
Financial Desk