Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States marked a significant milestone in the Indo-US relationship. The visit was characterized by high-profile meetings with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and executives from top technology companies. The trip had significant implications for India's diplomatic, economic, and technological ambitions. Below are some key takeaways from PM Modi's US visit.

Strengthening Economic Ties

The economic relationship between the US and India has seen a significant uptick over the past decade, and this visit further affirmed that trend. Biden and Modi met with CEOs from prominent companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and many others. The meeting was a testament to the increasing collaboration between American and Indian technology firms. The presence of both startup leaders and CEOs from established corporations indicated the broad scope of this cooperation. Such a mix of participants signifies a shared vision of creating a new world through technological innovation​​.

Geopolitical Implications

The US, recognizing India's significance as the world's most populous country and its fifth-largest economy, has been trying to forge stronger ties. The geopolitical rivalry with China loomed large during Modi's visit. However, both leaders maintained a diplomatic balance in their public statements about China. Instead, they underscored their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. This was clear in the joint statement that included a specific reference to the territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas. The US also announced investments aimed at boosting semiconductor manufacturing in India, which could help reduce India's dependence on China for electronics​.

Shared Cultural Ties and Human Rights Concerns

PM Modi's meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris underscored the shared cultural ties between the two nations. In a toast, Harris spoke of her Indian-born mother and the millions of Indian students who have come to the US to collaborate with American researchers. Modi also addressed the Indian diaspora, receiving enthusiastic support despite protests regarding allegations of human rights abuses in India. When asked about the rights of minorities, especially Muslims, Modi insisted that his government does not tolerate discrimination​.

Conclusion

PM Modi's visit to the US highlighted the strengthening of economic, diplomatic, and technological ties between India and the US. The meetings with top technology executives underscored the shared vision of both nations to leverage technology for a better future. While the shadow of China loomed over the discussions, the focus remained on regional stability and economic prosperity. The visit also spotlighted the cultural ties between the two countries and raised questions about India's human rights record.

As India navigates its path towards becoming a global power, these engagements and discussions will prove pivotal. Despite the challenges, the visit reaffirmed the robust partnership between the US and India, setting the tone for future collaborations. However, there are still some questions that remain unanswered. For instance, specific details regarding technological cooperation and investment in India's semiconductor industry were not disclosed. It would be interesting to see how these developments unfold in the coming months and years.