Narendra Modi’s First State Visit to the United States Strengthens U.S.-India Partnership
In the midst of ongoing turmoil in Pakistan, the U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has emphasised the importance of stability in the neighbouring country. Speaking on May 17, Ambassador Garcetti highlighted the significance of engagement while respecting the autonomy of Pakistanis in determining their future. He expressed hope that Pakistan would avoid unrest, emphasizing that stability serves the interests of India, the United States, and the world. However, he acknowledged that it ultimately rests upon the Pakistani people to decide their own fate.
This year marks India’s first official state visit to the United States in 14 years and the third official state visit hosted by the Biden Administration. It is only the third time in 75 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited the United States. Ambassador Garcetti recognized this moment in history as crucial, with immense potential for cooperation between India and the U.S.
Prior to his visit to India, Ambassador Garcetti discussed the vision for the U.S.-India partnership with President Biden, who underscored the pivotal nature of the current moment. Garcetti emphasized that the U.S. and India have never worked as closely together as they do today. He highlighted the significant progress made in bilateral trade, with the U.S. now being India’s biggest trading partner, amounting to $191 billion in bilateral trade last year. Additionally, India has become the largest source of international students in the United States. The militaries of both countries also engage in joint training exercises.
The U.S. Ambassador highlighted the joint commitment of the United States and India to protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region, fostering connectivity, prosperity, security, and resilience. He emphasized the collaboration between leading companies in both nations to address global challenges in inclusive development and renewable energy. Together, they are working to tackle global health and development issues, combat climate change, and develop critical and emerging technologies. The partnership between the United States and India sets an example for the rest of the world.
Reflecting on his first visit to India as a teenager, Ambassador Garcetti expressed his deep appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage and the interconnectedness of people around the world. He marveled at the tremendous growth and progress India has achieved in the past three decades, acknowledging its emergence as a leading global power.
During his visit, Ambassador Garcetti met with influential figures from the Indian entertainment and business sectors. He met with Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, to learn about the company’s innovations in the renewable energy sector and explore avenues for further economic cooperation between the United States and India. He also had a fruitful discussion with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at his residence, ‘Mannat,’ where they explored the immense cultural impact of the film industries in Hollywood and Bollywood worldwide.
Ambassador Garcetti shared his experiences and meetings on social media, demonstrating the warmth and enthusiasm with which he is approaching his visit to India.
As the U.S.-India partnership continues to strengthen, the first state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States serves as a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations. The visit holds great promise for enhancing cooperation in various fields and reinforcing shared values and goals.
In a world marked by increasing geopolitical complexities, the commitment of the United States and India to stability and collaboration serves as a beacon of hope, setting a positive example for the rest of the globe.
