Pune, 23rd June 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting US for a state visit. During his visit he met delegates in US including Twitter and Tesla owner Elon Musk. On 21st June he led the International Yoga Day celebrations at United Nations Headquarters following which he had dinner with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at White House on 22nd June following which bilateral talks took place.
In the bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Biden, both discussed economic cooperation, defense industrial cooperation, Joint Space Mission, and cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. A memorandum of understanding was signed between General Electric (GE) Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for production of fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force (IAF).
The deal gave license to manufacture F414 engine in India for indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk2. The deal marked the beginning of end of technology denial regime between India and US.
In Space cooperation, India announced to sign the Artemis Accords for joint space mission. Artemis Accords is a US led multilateral arrangement to send humans to moon and to explore planets and space research. Under the Joint Space Mission, Indian Space Research Organization and National Aeronautics and Space administration will be sending a mission to International Space Station next year.
After the bilateral talks, Modi addressed the US Congress on invitation of Congressional leaders. He had first addressed the Congress during his 2016 visit to US. The PM will be hosted by Vice President Kamla Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken for lunch. He will also be meeting CEOs and various business delegates. He will address the Indian Diaspora on 23rd June at Ronald Reagan Center.
PM Modi while addressing the media outside the White House said that relations between India and US has a strong pillar of people-to-people ties. The Indian diaspora has contributed to the development of America. He also said that the Indian Americans are the real strength of the relations.
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