US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a luncheon on Friday. In remarks at the luncheon, the leaders called the India-US relationship "indispensable" and praised both the governments in taking the ties to new heights.
Modi said that he has seen the India-US relationship evolve in the nine years that he has been in the office. Recalling his first visit to the United States in 2014, when President Joe Biden was the Vice President in Barack Obama's adminstration, he said that Biden had then said India-America partnership "as a promise over the horizon". Modi said it has been "a very long and beautiful journey" since then and that promise has become a reality.
Modi said, "We are working with renewed trust in areas of new and emerging technologies. We are resolving long-pending and difficult issues in trade. We are together in frameworks – these new frameworks such as Quad and I2U2, and we have made a lot of progress in these. Whether it is on ground or in the skies, in the deep seas or way up in space, India and America can be seen working together.
"Indeed, in the true sense, the promise over the horizon today is not merely a promise but a reality, and neither is it far over the horizon. Where we stand today, the achievements that we take pride in are all the result of your dreams and your tireless hard work."
Harris on her part thanked Modi for his leadership and efforts in reviving Quad and investing in the bilateral relationship. She further spoke on the Indian influence in the world and said that Indian teachings have inspired millions across the world and have had a deep impact on her as well.
Speaking on similar lines, Blinken described the India-US relationship as "indispensable" and reiterated Biden to say that it's one of the defining relationships of the 21st century.
We are working with renewed energy in areas of technology: Modi
Speaking at the luncheon hosted by Harris and Blinken, Modi said that India and the United States are now working with renewed trust in areas of new and emerging technologies. He also said the two countries have added and expanded the scope of the cooperation in the defence and strategic areas.
"We are working with renewed trust in areas of new and emerging technologies. We are resolving long pending and difficult issues in trade," said Modi, adding that with new frameworks like QUAD and I2U2, the two countries are making major progress together.
Modi said that the achievements of Harris are an inspiration to women all across the world.
He said, "Madam Vice President, you have taken this inspiration today to newer heights. Your achievements are an inspiration to not only the women in America but to women in India and women all across the world. This is really inspiring."
Speaking of Harris's mother, Modi said, "Vice President Kamala Harris’ mother, Dr Shyamala Gopalan, came to America from India in 1958. At that time, most people did not have phones and so her mother would send handwritten letters to her family back home. And at any time she did not let her relation with India break. She kept the relationship alive with whatever ways and means she could find. She made maximum use of it. For India and her life in America, she kept them both linked. Despite thousands of miles of physical distance, India always remained close to her heart."
Modi also thanked Blinken and said that the entire world is aware of his diplomatic skils as well as his musical talent.
He said, "The entire world knows about your diplomatic skills and I now know it very well. There is also a lot of buzz about your musical talent. Even when covering thousands of miles of traveling dealing with the most serious of issues, you always find time for music. This is extremely inspiring for all of us. Your contribution in strengthening our strategic partnership has been incredible and I thank you for it."
Harris praises Modi's role in reviving Quad, climate leadership
Speaking at the luncheon she co-hosted with Blinken for Modi, Harris praised Modi's role in the revival of Quad and on climate change through G-20.
In recent years, the Quad has been revived by the four member-countries, India, USA, Australia, and Japan, and Modi and Biden have played key roles in its revival. Said to be a force of common good in the Indo-Pacific region, the Quad is committed to keeping the region free and open to all with engagements based on a rules-based order instead of coercion.
Harris said, "You have helped to reinvigorate the Quad. Your leadership of the G20 is making new strides on climate finance. And you have been a proponent of international institutions and global solutions to global challenges."
Highlighting the centrality of technological cooperation yet again, Harris spoke of joint space-research of the two countries.
Harris said, "And as a point of personal privilege, as chair of the National Space Council, I thank you for your leadership in space and for our joint work on an earth science satellite, which will help us address the climate crisis. And I will also thank you because when you and I first met at the White House, I asked you to join the Artemis Accords: a commitment to the safe and transparent use of space. I am happy to report, as you have, that you have joined the Artemis Accords."
India and US are indispensable partners: Blinken
Speaking at the luncheon, Blinken said that the India-US relationship has transformed in the last two and half years and they have become indispensable partners. Reitering Biden's comment, he also said that the India-US relationship is a defining relationship in the 21st century.
Blinken said from semiconductors to space and from education to food security, India and the US are working closer together on more issues than ever before.
He said, "During the last two and a half years, we have transformed the relationship between our countries. We are working closer together on more issues than ever before. From semiconductors to space, from education to food security. The energy, ambition, and potential of our cooperation is boundless."
Together the countries are promoting greater peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe, combating disease, responding to natural disasters, strengthening maritime security and standing up for the principles at the heart of the United Nations Charter, said Blinken.
India and the US, Blinken said, are working to safeguard the planet for future generations, developing affordable solar panels and sustainable aviation fuels.
He said, "We are driving opportunity and innovation, from entrepreneurs powering our economies to US companies investing in India and vice versa."
Blinken also said that the cutting edge research that India and the US are jointly advancing, from quantum to artificial intelligence, is helping to sustain technological edge and shaping a digital future that safeguards democratic values.
The diaspora event
After the luncheon with Harris and Blinken, Modi headed off to a diaspora event at Washington DC. It would be his final engagement in the ongoing United States state visit.
Earlier, Modi met business leaders separately as well as with President Joe Biden. He was hosted for a state dinner by Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Thursday. That day, he also address a joint-session of the US Congress, becoming the only Indian Prime Minister to have the honour twice.
Modi began the visit in New York where he engaged with thought leaders and public experts before leading the Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters.
From the United States, Modi would head to Egypt on a day-long visit.
(With PTI inputs)
