From nuclear energy to AI to hosting the Olympics: Here are the key takeaways from PM Modi’s visit to the US
Sep 23, 2024, 18:23 IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States came at a crucial time for India's global ambitions. With a packed agenda that included meetings with business leaders, participation in the Quad Summit, and an address to the Indian diaspora, the visit showcased India’s focus on strengthening technological collaboration, advancing its role in global healthcare, and pushing for sustainable growth. Modi also unveiled several new initiatives, from expanding nuclear energy cooperation to announcing the opening of new consulates in the US, marking a pivotal moment in India’s relationship with the world’s largest economy. Here are the major highlights of the visit:
Modi also reiterated India’s ambitions in AI, referring to the US-India partnership as the “American-Indian spirit” of AI, which goes beyond just artificial intelligence to signify deeper technological collaboration between the two countries. He reiterated that India is committed to the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. This theme carried over into discussions about biotechnology, with India pushing for advancements through its BIO E3 policy (biotechnology for environment, economy, and employment), aimed at turning India into a biotech powerhouse.
The Indian Prime Minister also noted that India is positioning itself to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, a sector critical to the future of technology. "In semiconductor design, India already holds a 20% share, and we are moving ahead with a new ‘Design in India’ initiative," Modi said during one of his meetings, highlighting India's growing technological capabilities. He urged US companies to leverage India's skilled workforce and favourable business climate for mutual growth.
However, this is not without challenges. India’s semiconductor ambitions come at a time when global supply chains remain fragile, particularly in the wake of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Modi stressed that India could be a reliable partner in this sector, particularly through collaborations like the GlobalFoundries Power Center in Kolkata, aimed at boosting India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Modi’s remarks were seen as a subtle reference to China, whose assertive actions in the South China Sea and beyond have raised concerns. He reiterated that the Quad's goal is to ensure a “free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” with a focus on cooperation rather than confrontation. This message comes at a time when tensions are high in the region, with global powers closely watching how alliances like the Quad evolve.
The summit also touched on a range of issues, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. A joint statement from the Quad reflected this broad agenda, with Modi stating, "Together, we have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity building.”
This announcement underscores India’s increasing role in international healthcare, particularly in the developing world. The grant is expected to improve cancer detection and treatment in countries that often lack access to advanced medical technologies. Modi’s remarks reflected his government’s efforts to expand India’s global footprint in healthcare, an area where India has already gained recognition for its role in vaccine production and distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
India is focusing on transitioning to renewable energy, with significant investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen power. Modi emphasised that this shift is creating a new wave of green jobs, particularly in rural areas. His comments come at a time when climate action is a global priority, and India’s progress in this area is being closely watched. However, challenges remain in balancing rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability, especially as India continues to expand its industrial base.
In a notable declaration, Modi expressed India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games in the near future. “I promise you will soon see the Olympics happening in India,” he said during his diaspora address. This ambition signals India’s desire to showcase its growing capabilities on the global stage, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in fostering international sportsmanship.
Additionally, Modi announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in the US, one in Boston and another in Los Angeles. This expansion is aimed at catering to the growing Indian-American population in these regions, further enhancing the connectivity between the two nations. These consulates will join India’s existing diplomatic network in the US, which includes consulates in cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.
While the visit showcased India’s strengths, it also highlighted the challenges that lie ahead — particularly in navigating complex geopolitical relationships and balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the agreements and discussions initiated during this visit are likely to shape India’s path forward as it continues to assert itself as a key player on the world stage.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Pushing technological collaboration with US companies
A central theme of Modi’s US visit was fostering deeper ties in technology and innovation. In a series of meetings with CEOs of leading American companies such as Google, IBM, Adobe, and NVIDIA, Modi emphasised India’s growing role in the global technology landscape. “India is a land of opportunities,” he told the business leaders, inviting them to explore co-development and co-production opportunities in India, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and semiconductors.Modi also reiterated India’s ambitions in AI, referring to the US-India partnership as the “American-Indian spirit” of AI, which goes beyond just artificial intelligence to signify deeper technological collaboration between the two countries. He reiterated that India is committed to the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. This theme carried over into discussions about biotechnology, with India pushing for advancements through its BIO E3 policy (biotechnology for environment, economy, and employment), aimed at turning India into a biotech powerhouse.
The Indian Prime Minister also noted that India is positioning itself to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, a sector critical to the future of technology. "In semiconductor design, India already holds a 20% share, and we are moving ahead with a new ‘Design in India’ initiative," Modi said during one of his meetings, highlighting India's growing technological capabilities. He urged US companies to leverage India's skilled workforce and favourable business climate for mutual growth.
However, this is not without challenges. India’s semiconductor ambitions come at a time when global supply chains remain fragile, particularly in the wake of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Modi stressed that India could be a reliable partner in this sector, particularly through collaborations like the GlobalFoundries Power Center in Kolkata, aimed at boosting India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
The Quad alliance for peace, not conflict
Modi’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit — alongside US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida — reinforced the group’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific region. While some perceive the Quad as a response to China’s growing influence, Modi clarified that the alliance is not aimed at any particular country. “We are not against anyone,” he stated, emphasising that the Quad’s focus is on promoting a “rules-based international order” and ensuring the sovereignty of all nations.Modi’s remarks were seen as a subtle reference to China, whose assertive actions in the South China Sea and beyond have raised concerns. He reiterated that the Quad's goal is to ensure a “free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” with a focus on cooperation rather than confrontation. This message comes at a time when tensions are high in the region, with global powers closely watching how alliances like the Quad evolve.
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The summit also touched on a range of issues, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. A joint statement from the Quad reflected this broad agenda, with Modi stating, "Together, we have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity building.”
Expanding nuclear energy cooperation
During the visit, Modi also explored opportunities to expand India's collaboration in civil nuclear energy. He held talks with Krishna Singh, the CEO of Holtec International, a company specialising in nuclear and solar power generation. Discussions focused on boosting cooperation in nuclear energy and expanding manufacturing in India. This partnership aligns with India’s broader push toward clean energy and is expected to play a significant role in advancing India’s nuclear power capabilities as part of its green energy strategy.Healthcare initiatives
Healthcare also featured prominently in Modi’s agenda, particularly through India’s participation in the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative. During the visit, Modi announced a $7.5 million grant for cancer diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically targeting cervical cancer screening and diagnostics. “When the Quad acts, it is not just for nations, it is for the people,” Modi said, highlighting India’s commitment to global health initiatives as part of its broader 'One Earth, One Health' vision.This announcement underscores India’s increasing role in international healthcare, particularly in the developing world. The grant is expected to improve cancer detection and treatment in countries that often lack access to advanced medical technologies. Modi’s remarks reflected his government’s efforts to expand India’s global footprint in healthcare, an area where India has already gained recognition for its role in vaccine production and distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainability and green energy
Modi’s discussions on climate change and sustainability reiterated India’s commitment to green energy. Addressing concerns about India’s environmental impact, he noted that while the country represents 17% of the global population, it contributes less than 4% of global carbon emissions. “India has no role in causing destruction to the world,” he said in a pointed remark that seemed to contrast India’s approach with that of other major emitters.India is focusing on transitioning to renewable energy, with significant investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen power. Modi emphasised that this shift is creating a new wave of green jobs, particularly in rural areas. His comments come at a time when climate action is a global priority, and India’s progress in this area is being closely watched. However, challenges remain in balancing rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability, especially as India continues to expand its industrial base.
Engaging with Indian diaspora and hosting the Olympics
Modi’s address to the Indian diaspora in New York was one of the most high-profile moments of the visit. Speaking to thousands of Indian-Americans, he praised their contributions to strengthening US-India relations and called them “India’s strongest brand ambassadors.” Modi’s remarks focused on India’s progress over the past decade, citing achievements such as pulling 25 crore people out of poverty and significantly expanding digital access across the country.Advertisement
“We are no longer waiting for opportunities; we are creating them,” Modi said, emphasising India’s growing global ambitions. He encouraged the diaspora to continue playing a role in India’s development, particularly by investing in sectors like technology, infrastructure, and healthcare.In a notable declaration, Modi expressed India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games in the near future. “I promise you will soon see the Olympics happening in India,” he said during his diaspora address. This ambition signals India’s desire to showcase its growing capabilities on the global stage, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in fostering international sportsmanship.
Additionally, Modi announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in the US, one in Boston and another in Los Angeles. This expansion is aimed at catering to the growing Indian-American population in these regions, further enhancing the connectivity between the two nations. These consulates will join India’s existing diplomatic network in the US, which includes consulates in cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.
While the visit showcased India’s strengths, it also highlighted the challenges that lie ahead — particularly in navigating complex geopolitical relationships and balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the agreements and discussions initiated during this visit are likely to shape India’s path forward as it continues to assert itself as a key player on the world stage.
(With inputs from agencies)