Modi and Biden discuss UNSC reform, defence, and semiconductors in bilateral meeting

Prior to the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden met bilaterally on Friday. “The leaders called on their governments to continue the work of transforming the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership across all dimensions of our multifaceted global agenda, based on trust and mutual understanding," reads a joint statement released by the White House after their meeting.

General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build GE F-414 jet engines in India for HAL's Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2 in June, boosting defence collaboration during Modi's state visit to the United States. No objections were raised during the notification process needed by the US Congress, which implies that both governments can now discuss the deal's parameters. It is anticipated to include a sizable technological transfer to India. Modi and Biden also discussed India's plans to buy MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics, a US company. The two leaders also praised India's function as a centre for US Navy ship repairs and maintenance, as well as expanded efforts to involve private companies in the defence industry.

Semiconductors, which have been a key strategic focus for both countries, also featured in the talks. “The leaders reiterated their support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains, noting in this respect a multi-year initiative of Microchip Technology, Inc., to invest approximately US$300 million in expanding its research and development presence in India and Advanced Micro Device’s announcement to invest US$400 million in India over the next five years to expand research, development, and engineering operations in India," reads the US-India joint statement. 

These moves came after major investments were announced by firms like Micron, LAM Research and Applied Materials in India’s semiconductor ecosystem during Modi’s June visit. Scientific collaboration, from space exploration and quantum to biotechnology, was also a focus of the discussions. Biden also congratulated Modi for India’s success with the Chandrayaan 3 mission. Cooperation on 5G, 6G and advanced technologies also took place.