Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US.. President Joe Biden. File
| Photo Credit: ANI

Under a transformative collaboration with the U.S., India will get its first-ever national security semiconductor fabrication plant that will produce chips for use in military hardware in both the countries as well as in critical telecommunication networks and electronics.

The ambitious India-U.S. joint project was announced following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden in Wilmington on Saturday (September 21, 2024).

The two leaders hailed the first-ever India-US semiconductor fabrication partnership as a “watershed arrangement”, according to a joint fact sheet on Modi-Biden talks.

The project will be enabled by support from the India Semiconductor Mission and will be part of a strategic technology partnership among Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the U.S. Space Force.

It will not only become India’s first, but one of the world’s first multi-material fab for national security, people aware of the matter said.

“It is the first time that the U.S. military has agreed to do a partnership for these high-value technologies with India and it is a watershed moment as it is as significant as the civil nuclear deal,” they said.

“President Biden and Prime Minister Modi hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications,” the fact sheet noted.

It said the “fab, which will be established with the objective of manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride and silicon carbide semiconductors, will be enabled by support from the India semiconductor mission as well as a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force”.

“The Fab, to be known as ‘Shakti’, will focus on three essential pillars for modern war fighting — advanced sensing, advanced communications and high voltage power electronics,” the people cited above said.

At a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the initiative as “an enormously encouraging development”, adding that “national security elements” are involved on both sides.

“There will be applications of the products in national security areas,” he said.

Explaining the significance of the project, he said: “This is a different Fab in the sense that this has been established with the objective of manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride and silicon carbide semiconductors,” he said.

“And it will be supported by the Indian Semiconductor Mission as well as the Strategic Technology Partnership. I think what this represents is, first, the increasing and very substantial design as well as manufacturing capacities that are latent in India’s semiconductor sector,” he added.

The project will go down in history books as a watershed moment in the India-U.S. relationship, said one of the people on condition of anonymity.

India’s current import bill in these semiconductors for national security is USD one billion a year, according to estimates.

The fact sheet said Mr. Modi and Mr. Biden praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains including through GlobalFoundries’ (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Centre in Kolkata.

It said the project will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in research and development in chip manufacturing.

“The leaders welcomed steps our industry is taking to build safe, secure, and resilient supply chains for US, Indian, and international automotive markets, including through Ford Motor Company’s submission of a Letter of Intent to utilise its Chennai plant to manufacture for export to global markets,” the document said.

It said Mr. Modi and Mr. Biden commended ongoing efforts to build more expansive cooperation around 5G deployment and next-generation telecommunications.

This includes the U.S. Agency for International Development’s plans to expand the Asia Open RAN Academy with an initial $7 million investment to grow this workforce training initiative worldwide, including in South Asia with Indian institutions.

New Delhi:

US President Joe Biden commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his historic visit to Ukraine and his message of peace amid the war with Russia. The US also backed permanent membership for India in the UN Security Council.

Here Are Some Of The Key Takeaways From The Bilateral Meet

READ: “Each Time We Sit Down…”: Biden Posts Pics Of Meeting PM Modi

Boost For India-US Ties

The Prime Minister met the US president at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina. At the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for President Biden’s unparalleled contributions in giving impetus to the India-US partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Recalling his earlier visit to the US last year and President Biden’s India trip for the G20 summit, the Prime Minister noted that visits have led to greater dynamism and depth in the India-US partnership.

The Prime Minister emphasised that India and the US now enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership that covers all areas of human endeavour, driven by shared democratic values, convergence of interests and vibrant people-to-people ties, the MEA said. It added that the two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

India’s Global Role

President Biden expressed appreciation for India’s leadership on the world stage, particularly Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in the G20 and the Global South, a White House statement said. The US President also praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to strengthen the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“India is at the forefront of efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world,” the White House said.

President Biden, it said, commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine. The statement was silent on the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia.

President Biden told Prime Minister Modi that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to “reflect India’s important voice”. The US also backed permanent membership for India in a reformed UN Security Council.

Space To Semiconductors

The White House has said that the two leaders cheered the success of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across key technology sectors, including space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications.

“Both Leaders committed to enhance regular engagements to improve the momentum of collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy. They highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with like-minded partners, including through the Quad and a U.S.-India-ROK Trilateral Technology initiative launched earlier this year to build more secure and resilient supply chains for critical industries and ensure we collectively remain at the leading edge of innovation,” the statement said. The leaders, it said, also endorsed new mechanisms for deeper cyberspace cooperation through the bilateral cybersecurity dialogue.

“President Biden and Prime Minister Modi hailed a watershed arrangement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant focused on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next generation telecommunications, and green energy applications,” the White House said, adding that the two leaders praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains.

In the space technology sector, the two leaders welcomed the progress towards the first joint effort by NASA and ISRO to conduct scientific research onboard the International Space Station in 2025.

READ: As PM Modi And Joe Biden Hold Bilateral Talks, A Mega Drone Deal Firms Up

Impetus To Defence Ties

The US president welcomed the progress in India completing the procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment, the White House said, adding that these will enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of India’s armed forces.

The two leaders recognised the progress under the US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, including ongoing collaboration to advance priority co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems. Prime Minister Modi and President Biden also welcomed efforts to expand defence industrial partnerships.

“President Biden welcomed India’s decision to set a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5 per cent on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, including on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts thereby simplifying the tax structure and paving the way for building a strong ecosystem for MRO services in India. The Leaders also encouraged the industry to foster collaboration and drive innovation to support India’s efforts to become a leading aviation hub,” the White House said.

“The Leaders hailed the teaming agreement on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft recently signed between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the two companies that co-chair the U.S.-India CEO Forum. Building on longstanding industry cooperation, this agreement will establish a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the readiness of the Indian fleet and global partners who operate the C-130 Super Hercules aircraft,” it said, adding that this marks a significant step in US-India cooperation in the defence and aerospace sector.

READ: India, US To Elevate Bilateral Ties To Expand Clean Energy Supply Chains

Clean Energy

Prime Minister Modi and President Biden welcomed the joint efforts to accelerate the expansion of safe and secure clean energy supply chains through US and Indian manufacturing of clean energy technologies and components. “In its initial phase, the U.S. and India would work together to unlock $1 billion of multilateral financing to support projects across the clean energy value chain for renewable energy, energy storage, power grid and transmission technologies, high efficiency cooling systems, zero emission vehicles, and other emerging clean technologies,” the White House said.

“The Leaders also highlighted the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)’s partnership with India’s private sector to expand clean energy manufacturing and diversify supply chains. To date, DFC has extended a $250 million loan to Tata Power Solar to construct a solar cell manufacturing facility and a $500 million loan to First Solar to construct and operate a solar module manufacturing facility in India,” it added.

The two leaders welcomed the India-US collaboration on a new National Center for Hydrogen Safety in India and affirmed their intent to utilise the new Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) to enhance collaboration on clean energy manufacturing and global supply chains.

“The Leaders welcomed the progress made on joint efforts since 2023 for India to work toward IEA membership in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on an International Energy Program.

The two Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the manufacturing and deployment of renewable energy, battery storage and emerging clean technology in India,” the White House said.

Promoting Global Health and Development

The two leaders celebrated the new US-India Drug Policy Framework, which will deepen the collaboration to disrupt the illicit production and international trafficking of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals, and deepen a holistic public health partnership.

“The Leaders applauded the first-ever U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue held in August 2024, which brought together experts from both countries to increase research and development to accelerate the rate of progress against cancer,” the White House said.

“The leaders welcomed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Business Administration for promoting cooperation between U.S. and Indian small and medium-size enterprises by improving their participation in the global market place through capacity building workshops in areas such as trade and export finance, technology and digital trade, green economy and trade facilitation,” it said.

“The Leaders welcomed enhanced cooperation on agriculture between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agriculture productivity growth, agriculture innovation, and sharing best practices related to crop risk protection and agriculture credit. The two sides will also enhance cooperation with the private sector through discussions on regulatory issues and innovation to enhance bilateral trade,” the White House said.

Wilmington, US:

US President Joe Biden has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the United States supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India’s important voice, including permanent membership for India in a “reformed” United Nations Security Council (UNSC). President Biden’s statement came during the Quad Leaders Summit attended by PM Modi, Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida and Australia’s Anthony Albanese on Sunday. 

The Quad leaders vowed support to reform the UNSC through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership. In a joint statement, the leaders said that the India-US partnership “is vital to the success of efforts to build a cleaner, inclusive, more secure, and more prosperous future for the planet.” 

President Biden commended India’s leadership, particularly PM Modi’s role in the G-20 and the Global South and acknowledged the PM’s recent visits to Poland and Ukraine. The discussion around India’s potential inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC is part of a larger conversation about reforming global institutions to reflect current geopolitical realities. India, with its large population, expanding economy, and active role in international peacekeeping and diplomacy, has long advocated for such reforms. 

“The Leaders reaffirmed their support for the freedom of navigation and the protection of commerce, including critical maritime routes in the Middle East where India will assume co-lead in 2025 of the Combined Task Force 150 to work with Combined Maritime Forces to secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea,” the joint statement added.

During the Quad summit, PM Modi reiterated the importance of a “free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” PM Modi highlighted several initiatives, including collaborations in health security, emerging technologies, and climate change, aimed at addressing global challenges. He described the Quad as a “force for global good,” committed to fostering cooperation for the benefit of all.

The US and India are working together to expand clean energy manufacturing and strengthen their technological and industrial bases. The Biden administration has announced plans to unlock $1 billion in new multilateral financing through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for clean energy projects in India. 

Prime Minister Modi announced a $7.5 million grant for cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. The grant forms part of India’s broader ‘One Earth, One Health’ vision, which seeks to share India’s expertise in healthcare and provide assistance in areas such as radiotherapy and capacity building.

The US and India also announced advancements in technology and defence cooperation. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) continues to strengthen strategic ties between the two nations in key technology sectors, including semiconductors. A new semiconductor fabrication plant will be established, supported by India’s Semiconductor Mission and a partnership with US companies like Bharat Semi and 3rdiTech.

In defence, the two countries have deepened industrial cooperation, with projects such as the co-development of unmanned surface vehicle systems by Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering. 

U.S. President Joe Biden bids farewell to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he departs after the Quad leaders summit in Claymont, Delaware, U.S., September 21, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

The U.S. and India plan to elevate bilateral technical, financial, and policy support to expand complementary manufacturing capacity for building on existing clean energy cooperation between the two nations, according to the White House.

The announcement on Saturday (September 21, 2024) came after the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden at Greenville, Delaware.

Prime Minister Modi is in the U.S. on a three-day visit.

Follow PM Modi in U.S. LIVE updates

To launch the partnership for establishing a “shared, resilient, and cutting-edge techno-industrial base” centred on innovative clean energy manufacturing techniques, the U.S. and India are “working to unlock $1 billion in new multilateral finance through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for projects, including catalysing India’s domestic clean energy supply chain buildout”, the White House said in a statement.

The partnership will look to expand complementary U.S. and Indian manufacturing capacity for clean energy technologies and components and lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in third countries, with a focus on partnerships in Africa.

This effort will build on existing clean energy cooperation between the U.S. and India, including clean energy initiatives launched during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. in 2023, and the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership led by the U.S. Department of Energy and Government of India ministries, among other initiatives.

The U.S.-India partnership “sets a strong example for the world and positions our countries to lead clean economic development in the 21st century,” the statement said.

“The United States and India share an enduring commitment to deepen our collaboration on issues of shared national and economic security. As an important aspect of our economic growth agendas, we are committed to working together to capture the benefits of the clean energy transition, including the creation of high-quality jobs for our populations, acceleration of clean energy deployment globally, and achievement of global climate goals,” it said.

Also Read | Our message is clear, Quad is here to stay: PM Modi at Leaders’ Summit

“Over time, we seek to mobilise additional financing into priority clean energy manufacturing sectors that harness public and private financial tools and pioneer innovative financial vehicles to meet the rapid demand for flexible climate finance solutions,” said the White House.

Noting that the United States and India intend to work with relevant government agencies, civil society and the private sector to identify a package of pilot projects across the clean energy value chain, it said that the two nations also pledge to work with industry leaders on the following lines of effort to launch and eventually scale this new partnership.

Washington:

US Senator Marco Rubio on Thursday introduced a bill in the Congress that proposes to treat India on par with its allies like as Japan, Israel, Korea and NATO allies regarding technology transfers, support India in its response to growing threats to its territorial integrity and bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.

“Communist China continues to aggressively expand its domain in the Indo-Pacific region, all while it seeks to impede the sovereignty and autonomy of our regional partners. It’s crucial for the U.S. to continue its support in countering these malicious tactics. India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone,” Rubio said after he introduced the U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act in the Senate.

In order to strengthen our partnership with India, it’s essential we increase our strategic relationship w/ New Delhi.

Introduced a bill to best support India as they continue to face aggression from Communist China.https://t.co/QVF1gU7TqP

— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) July 25, 2024

Given the short timeline of a bitterly divided Congress in an election year, the bill is unlikely to make much headway, but might be reintroduced in the next Congress given that there is a bipartisan level of support on the India-US relationship. The bill notes that the US-India partnership is vital to countering influences from Communist China. In order to strengthen this partnership, it is essential to enhance our strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi, it asserts.

Among other things, the bill would set a Statement of Policy that the US will support India in its response to growing threats to its territorial integrity, provide necessary security assistance to India to deter adversaries, and cooperate with India with respect to defense, civil space, technology, medicine and economic investments.

When passed into law, it would provide a limited exemption for India from CAATSA sanctions for purchases of Russian equipment that are currently used by the Indian military and set a sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to India is consistent with US interests and it is in the interest of peace and stability India to have the capabilities needed to deter threats.

It proposes to treat India as if it were of the same status as the US allies such as Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers; authorize the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation; expedite excess defense articles to India for two years and grant India the same status as other allies; and expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi.

It requires a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups, against India; and bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.

This is for the first time such an India-centric bill has been introduced in the US Congress that proposes to put India at the same level of that of its treaty ally, exempt it from CAATSA sanctions, and imposes sanctions on Pakistan for promoting terrorism in India. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Washington:

India will continue to be a strategic partner for the US despite concerns over its ties with Russia, the Biden Administration has said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Russia for two days for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit that has been watched closely by the West amidst the Ukraine conflict.

During his talks with President Putin on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi told President Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed amid bombs and bullets.

On Tuesday, spokespersons of the Pentagon and the State Department reacted separately to questions on India’s relationship with Russia and PM Modi’s visit to Moscow.

“India and Russia have had a relationship for a very long time. From a US perspective, India is a strategic partner with whom we continue to engage in full and frank dialogue to include their relationship with Russia. As it relates to the NATO summit being this week, of course, like you, the world is focused on that,” Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder told reporters at a news conference.

On the other hand, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference that the US has been quite clear about its “concerns about India’s relationship with Russia.”

“We have expressed those privately directly to the Indian government, and continue to do so. And that has not changed,” Mr Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.

India has been open its “special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia and maintained the momentum in the ties.

India has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 but has consistently pitched for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

Maj Gen Ryder said: “I do not think anybody will be surprised if (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin tries to represent this visit in a way that seeks to somehow show that he is not isolated from the rest of the world. And the fact of the matter is President Putin’s war of choice has isolated Russia from the rest of the world, and it has come at great cost. Their war of aggression has come at great cost, and the facts bear that out,” he said.

“So we will continue to view India as a strategic partner. We will continue to have a robust dialogue with them,” Maj Gen Ryder said.

“He (Putin) is not looking so isolated with the head of the world’s largest democracy being in Moscow, embracing him right now,” a reporter asked.

Maj Gen Ryder responded by saying that Prime Minister Modi also met recently with the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and offered his assurances that India will continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine.

“I think that we trust that India will support efforts to realise an enduring and just peace for Ukraine and will convey to Mr Putin the importance of adhering to the UN charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

Mr Miller said the US continues to “urge India to support efforts to realise an enduring and just peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN charter based on upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its sovereignty. And that will continue to be what we will engage with India about.”
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

 U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell 
| Photo Credit: AP

India is looking at “potential” institutional reforms against the backdrop of the Pannun issue and alleged assassination attempts, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell said on June 26, adding that the U.S. seeks “accountability” from the Indian government and has “consistently” asked for updates on the committee investigating the matter.

“We have had constructive dialogue with India on this topic and they have been responsive to our concerns. We made clear that we seek accountability from the government of India and we have consistently asked for updates on the Indian committee… We raised this issue directly with the Indian government at the most senior levels between our two countries,” Mr. Campbell said. “We also believe that Indian colleagues are looking carefully at what potential institutional reforms might be necessary in the wake of some of these allegations and reports… Those discussions continue between the U.S. and India.”

Watch: Nijjar killing – Pannun case: How should India manage diplomatic fallout

Mr. Campbell was speaking at a virtual briefing on the second India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) dialogue that was chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries last week.

The External Affairs Ministry set up a “high-level” inquiry committee on November 18 into the alleged assassination plot against U.S.-Canadian Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in May 2023.

The investigation into the case by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has led to a chargesheet against an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, 52, who allegedly hired a hitman to target Khalistani separatists in the U.S. and Canada at the behest of a senior Indian security official.

Mr. Gupta was extradited to the U.S. from Czech republic last week and has since been produced in a New York court.

India-Russia ties

To a question on India-Russia ties amid the deepening India-U.S. technological cooperation, Mr. Campbell said the U.S. and India have a “full and frank” dialogue and also discuss mutual relationships, including India’s relationship with Russia.

“We are seeking to develop a much deeper and stronger technological relationship between the U.S. and India. We have been clear which areas are affected by the continuing relationship between India and Russia, militarily and technologically… We have expressed some concerns. But at the same time we have confidence and trust in India,” he stated.

Further, he underscored that that the U.S. and India are both “great powers” and have many areas of alignment. Noting that it is not surprising that there would be areas where the two countries had different perspectives due to historical ties, Mr. Campbell added, “In the context of our strategic partnership, what’s been important has been our ability to share views on areas where we occasionally have disagreements, do those respectfully and seek where possible to narrow those areas where there are differences.”

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State said the U.S.-India relationship has reached escape velocity and India will be a key U.S. partner in the 21st century, while noting the broad, bipartisan support for ties with India.

During the iCET dialogue, he said plans had been made for launching an ambitions Indian Ocean deliberations, bringing together stakeholders at the highest level on both sides. “We value India’s central role in the Indian Ocean,” Mr. Campbell said, adding that their desire is to help support India’s maritime domain awareness and military capabilities, both naval and air.

U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin attends the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore June 1, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin on June 1 said the U.S.-India ties are based on a common vision and common values and the momentum in the relationship is not only going to continue but will pick up speed.

Mr. Austin’s remarks came as he responded to a delegate’s question at the Shangri La Dialogue about bilateral ties.

Held annually in Singapore, the Shangri La Dialogue Dialogue is Asia’s premier defence summit.

“The relationship we enjoy right now with India is as good as or better than our relationship that it has ever been,” he told delegates.

“We are co-producing armoured vehicles with India,” he said, adding that good progress has been made on the project.

The U.S.-India relations are based on a common vision and common values. “So, I believe the momentum that we see is not only going to continue but, at a point, it will pick up speed.” In his address on the Indo-Pacific region, Mr. Austin said: “Together with our friends in the region, we are breaking down national barriers and better integrating our defence industry.” America will continue to play a vital role in the Indo-Pacific, he assured.

The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam claim parts of it.

The U.S., India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China’s rising military assertiveness in the resource-rich region.

Mr. Austin also informed delegates that the U.S. defence industry is being integrated with those of the regional countries, including Japan.

“Together we are investing in capabilities that promote lasting security and stability. And together we are ensuring that the Indo Pacific will remain secure.” He underlined why the U.S. was maintaining a presence in the region and will continue to make investments necessary with its commitment to allies and partners.

“We consistently link our investments to our strategy … the United States has devoted a historic amount of resources towards maintaining the Indo-Pacific.

“The United States can be secure only if Asia is and that’s why the United States has long maintained its presence in this region,” he stressed.

U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, visited the ISRO headquarters on Friday and held discussion with ISRO Chairman Somanath.
| Photo Credit: Handout E Mail

U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has proposed to develop a “QUAD satellite” involving the partnership of India and the U.S.

During his official trip to Bengaluru on Friday, he visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters and met with Chairman S Somanath and discussed the ongoing cooperation between India and the U.S. in the field of space.

In a statement, the space agency said the U.S. Ambassador proposed the development of a “QUAD satellite”.

During the meeting, the ISRO chairman pointed to the opportunity to develop advanced detectors and packaging technologies with U.S.-India academic institutions.

He also emphasised the importance of building and standardising docking interfaces across human space programs to enable the utilization of space platforms by other countries and joining hands to build a navigation system on the Moon, either in orbit or on the surface.

Taking to ‘X’, Mr. Garcetti on Saturday shared how he was honoured to meet the ISRO Chairman and how they were committed to further strengthening the partnership between India and the United States in the field of space.

“Honored to meet @ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath and team! From advancing #NISAR satellite to fostering human spaceflight and promoting commercial space endeavours, the #USIndiaSpace commitment stands strong and is advancing our shared goals within the #USIndia Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology,” he said.

According to ISRO, the discussions that followed highlighted both countries’ mutual interests and shared goals in advancing space science, technology, and the space economy.

Ongoing associations through various Joint Working Groups, Artemis Accord, NISAR, and the use of the Laser Reflectometer Array on Chandrayaan-3 also figured in the discussions.

Mr. Garcetti also inquired about the role played by the Department of Space in fostering commercial space activities.

Chairman Somanath elaborated on this, saying that for the first time, payload technology and space-bound hardware are being built in Indian facilities that are outside ISRO labs.

ISRO plans to source payloads and satellites for its programmes from Indian companies and enable them to enter the global market.

Other talks included NASA’s participation in India’s proposal for a G-20 satellite for environment and climate change, and encouragement of cooperation between commercial companies from both countries for quicker and more effective outcomes, Gaganyaan cargo module as an option for transfer of cargo to ISS.

The Ambassador expressed his admiration for ISRO’s accomplishments and its role in global space exploration.

The meeting also touched upon future programmes, including the exchange visits of both sides’ professionals, continuation of balloon experiments, and identifying milestone events.