US Prez makes all the right sounds after bolstering India ties, may be R-Day guest
Though the New Delhi G20 Summit held earlier this month ran into some anxious moments when Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced their decision to stay sway, US President Joe Biden has hailed its success repeatedly from multiple platforms for showcasing India's diplomatic success, vision and the ability to take all countries together without acrimony. Biden took to social media to express his optimism, emphasising that the G20 remains a driving force for addressing global challenges. At a time when global economy was grappling with overlapping shocks of climate crisis, fragility and conflict, this year's Summit demonstrated that the G20 could still drive solutions to the most pressing issues, he said. Last Saturday, President Biden underscored the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and reaffirmed his country’s promise of collaborating with allies in fostering sustainable and robust infrastructure. Speaking at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor programme, Biden stated that the G20 Summit's focus was on building resilient infrastructure, making quality infrastructure investments and creating a better future representing greater opportunity, dignity and prosperity for everyone. Demonstrating unity, the leaders of the US, India, Brazil and South Africa have reaffirmed their shared commitment to the G20 and their dedication to delivering solutions. Earlier, during their meeting ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and their commitment to developing robust global semiconductor supply chains. Biden also lent support to India's longstanding demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and backed India's candidacy for another term as a non-permanent member in 2028-29.
In an attempt to keep these relations close and warm, the US President may attend the Republic Day parade next year as the chief guest. This development is basically a direct result of the increasing bonhomie between these nations. Their defence cooperation received a significant boost during Prime Minister Modi's State visit in June to the US. An essential milestone was reached when General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for manufacturing GE F-414 jet engines in India. This collaboration is expected to involve a substantial transfer of technology to India, further strengthening their strategic partnership. This was the first time ever that the G20 Summit was hosted by India. During its presidency, India focused on various issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience and equitable global health access. The G20 member countries represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population. Brazil is slated to hold the presidency after India in November.