USISPF noted that the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership continues to serve as a vital pillar of security in the Indo-Pacific region. / USISPF

The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) hailed the recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as pivotal in deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The bilateral meeting took place on Sept. 21 during Modi’s visit to the United States for the Quad Leaders' Summit. During the meeting Biden and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed that the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership is the "defining partnership of the 21st century." 

The leaders emphasized shared interests between the two democracies, underscoring the need to elevate those interests into shared priorities to tackle the challenges of the modern world.

USISPF noted that the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership continues to serve as a vital pillar of security in the Indo-Pacific region. In recent years, cooperation between the two countries has expanded through initiatives such as the Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X). 

“These have been crucial in deepening and expanding strategic cooperation across key technology sectors, including space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and advanced telecommunications, as evinced by the Prime Minister’s roundtable with tech CEOs,” the statement said. 

Plans to establish a new semiconductor fabrication facility in India are expected to boost the nation’s manufacturing potential, enhance national security, and attract American investment. USISPF praised these developments, noting that they “will rejig India’s high-tech sector and strengthen supply chains.”

On climate cooperation, the U.S.-India partnership is seen as vital in helping India meet its Net Zero goals by 2070. This cooperation, according to USISPF,  is expected to propel a clean economy and mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly ahead of Climate Week.

In space exploration, the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023 has paved the way for deeper collaboration between NASA and ISRO, including joint research projects onboard the International Space Station set for 2025. Both countries have facilitated joint research opportunities between scientific institutions, private sector researchers, and national laboratories to advance what is being termed the “Innovation Handshake.”

Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic efforts, including recent visits to Ukraine and Poland and his leadership at the G20 Summit, were also recognized. USISPF noted that Washington appreciates India’s role as a voice for the Global South and as a nation capable of building bridges and de-escalating tensions in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

“In line with the Quad vision, both the United States and India will continue to deepen their military partnership and interoperability to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the USISPF statement said. The organization highlighted the importance of joint efforts, including procurement of drone technology, jet engine manufacturing, and systems like Javelin and Stryker in India, which are vital for operational coordination, information-sharing, and defense industrial innovation.

USISPF said that both leaders have welcomed New Delhi’s signature and ratification of the agreements under Pillar III, and Pillar IV, of the overarching Agreement on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). “Increased bilateral and tri-service exercises in the Tiger Triumph and Yudh Abhyas exercises are vital for both sides in strengthening defense ties and maintaining global security and peace,” the statement added.

Further expanding diplomatic ties, USISPF highlighted that India will be opening new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, in addition to the recently established one in Seattle. This move reflects the strength of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. and the need for increased diplomatic engagement across the country.

Reflecting on the meeting, USISPF also noted the enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora and the optimism shared by both governments. As the meeting marked what is likely President Biden’s final encounter with Prime Minister Modi as sitting president, USISPF expressed confidence that “whoever occupies the White House in January 2025 will continue to build on the strategic partnership and prioritize the Indo-Pacific as central to Washington’s geostrategic vision.”