With the state visit to the United States, President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi want to demonstrate that the relationship between the two countries is entering a new era. Various trade and cooperation agreements were concluded during the visit, including in the fields of chip manufacturing and aerospace.
“America will deliver 31 highly advanced drones to India, worth $3 billion,” said US correspondent David Hammelburg. In addition, the American General Electric will build engines for a fighter jet made in India. “This could be a prelude to increased US defense orders and Biden is hoping to ease India a bit out of its traditionally good relationship with Russia,” Hammelburg says.
According to Hammelburg, Modi’s visit is very important to Biden. “He needs Asia’s support for his policy in Ukraine and environmental issues, and India’s help is essential for that.” Moreover, relations between India and China are getting darker, and India and America can also agree. For Modi it is on the one hand the country’s recognition of him, but there are also historical aspects that play a role. During the Second Kashmir War between India and Pakistan in 1965, the United States sided with Pakistan. Modi sees this as a sort of correction to history.’
Also listen | Bernard Hammelburg – Opinion | Maharaja
Controversial
In any case, Modi has received a great reception in the White House, despite being controversial. ‘Remarkable’, thinks Hammelburg. “He is known for his discrimination against Muslims, with the exception of Indonesia there are as many Muslims as in India.” Also for this reason, twenty years ago Modi was denied a visa for America, because as governor of a state he had many Muslims killed. “He pretends to be some kind of liberal, but his policies are racist and vehemently anti-media.”
The visit was also criticized by the US Congress. Some members of the democratic group boycotted Modi’s speech. For Biden, the visit will have been difficult for this reason, but she has approached the state visit mainly in a pragmatic way, Hammelburg thinks.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
