The Biden administration expressed its enthusiasm to keep working with India to secure a free "Indo-Pacific region."
In a
statement shared on X, President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the recent Lok
Sabha elections, acknowledging the participation of "650 million voters in
this historic election." The 81-year-old leader emphasized the
strengthening alliance between the two nations, highlighting the growth potential
of their shared future.
A subsequent
White House statement underscored the unwavering commitment of both leaders to
bolstering the "US-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic
Partnership" and advancing a common vision for a liberated, thriving
Indo-Pacific region. The statement also mentioned discussions regarding the
upcoming visit of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to New Delhi, aiming
to address mutual priorities such as strategic technology partnership.
Prime
Minister Modi, confirming receipt of a congratulatory call from President Biden,
expressed delight in their enduring friendship and anticipated numerous
milestones in the India-US partnership, envisioning its continued positive
impact on a global scale.
India-US
relations have significantly strengthened in recent years, driven by shared
concerns regarding China's growing influence. Collaboration spans various
international platforms including the UN, G-20, ASEAN Regional Forum, IMF,
World Bank, and WTO. Bilateral defense agreements worth $20 billion, joint
military exercises, and participation in key forums like the Quad and I2U2
reflect the depth of their strategic partnership.
In the realm
of space and technology, collaborative efforts between ISRO and NASA, such as
the NISAR satellite, and agreements like the Artemis Accords demonstrate shared
ambitions for exploration and innovation. However, challenges persist, notably
differences over foreign policy issues like the Russian-Ukraine conflict and
energy imports, highlighting areas for continued dialogue and cooperation
amidst the backdrop of longstanding relationships with Russia.