US backs India's permanent membership in UN Security Council: Check out key takeaways from Modi-Biden bilateral talks

On the backdrop of a historic period that has seen the United States and India reach unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration, Modi and Biden affirmed that the U.S.-India partnership must be anchored in upholding democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all as our countries strive to become more perfect unions and meet our shared destiny.

India at the global platform

President Biden expressed his immense appreciation for India’s leadership on the world stage, particularly Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in the G-20 and in the Global South and his commitment to strengthening the Quad to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

He lauded India’s efforts to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges, from supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the devastating consequences of conflicts around the world.

President Biden commended Prime Minister Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector, and on the importance of international law, including the UN charter.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting maritime routes, with India co-leading the Combined Task Force 150 in 2025 to secure the Arabian Sea.

President Biden expressed U.S. support for India's permanent membership in a reformed U.N. Security Council. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a closer U.S.-India partnership for a cleaner, inclusive, and more secure global future.

India’s Drone Procurement: President Biden welcomed India's progress in procuring 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones, which will enhance India's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across all domains.

Future defence partnership

Defence Industrial Cooperation: Both leaders acknowledged the significant progress under the U.S.-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, with ongoing collaboration on co-producing jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.

Co-Development of Unmanned Systems: The leaders praised the teaming between Liquid Robotics (U.S.) and Sagar Defence Engineering (India) for co-developing unmanned surface vehicle systems, and strengthening maritime domain awareness.

Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA): Both sides applauded the recent conclusion of SOSA, enhancing the mutual supply of defence goods and services.

GST Reform in India: President Biden welcomed India’s decision to set a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services, simplifying the tax structure and paving the way for a stronger MRO ecosystem in India.

Lockheed Martin-Tata Agreement: Both leaders hailed the agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems to establish a new MRO facility in India for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Defence Innovation Collaboration: The leaders lauded growing collaboration under the INDUS-X initiative, noting joint defence innovation challenges and efforts to facilitate testing for companies in both countries.

Liaison Officers Deployment: Both sides welcomed the deployment of India’s first liaison officer to the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), following a Memorandum of Agreement.

Military Partnership and Exercises: They celebrated the success of India's largest bilateral, tri-service exercise (TIGER TRIUMPH), and welcomed demonstrations of new technologies like the Javelin and Stryker systems during ongoing joint exercises.

Advanced Domains Cooperation: Both nations committed to deepening cooperation in advanced domains, including space and cyber. They looked forward to enhancing cybersecurity and launching bilateral defence space exercises.

Technology partnership

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi announced a significant partnership to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant focusing on advanced technologies for national security, telecommunications, and green energy.

This initiative, supported by the India Semiconductor Mission, involves a strategic collaboration between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the U.S. Space Force. 

The leaders praised GlobalFoundries’ efforts to bolster semiconductor supply chains through the creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center.

The leaders welcomed Ford Motor Company’s plans to use its Chennai plant for global manufacturing exports, further strengthening U.S.-India automotive supply chains.

They also celebrated the first joint NASA-ISRO research mission on the International Space Station, set for 2025, and pledged to deepen civil and commercial space cooperation.

To boost research and development, the U.S. and India committed $90+ million over five years for collaborative projects between universities in both countries. New funding awards were announced for joint research on AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and sustainable technologies, highlighting an ongoing commitment to innovation.

The leaders also highlighted advances in biotechnology and bioeconomy through a joint U.S.-India initiative, while announcing seventeen new awards for research in AI and quantum technologies. They welcomed IBM’s partnership with the Indian government to enhance AI innovation and semiconductor development.

The leaders commended efforts to expand 5G deployment and strengthen telecommunications, together with progress in fostering collaboration between startups and investors under the "Innovation Handshake" initiative.

Clean energy

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the U.S.-India Roadmap to build safe and secure clean energy supply chains, starting with a joint effort to unlock $1 billion in multilateral financing for renewable energy projects, energy storage, zero-emission vehicles, and more.

The plan includes U.S. and Indian manufacturing of clean energy technologies, supporting projects across the clean energy value chain.

They also highlighted the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (DFC) partnerships in India, including loans to Tata Power Solar and First Solar for solar manufacturing facilities, emphasizing clean energy expansion and diversified supply chains.

The leaders praised collaboration under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP), focusing on energy security, innovation, and job creation.

A new National Center for Hydrogen Safety and the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) were announced to boost collaboration on hydrogen and energy storage.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation between USAID and the International Solar Alliance will promote sustainable power systems.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to developing critical minerals supply chains and looked forward to signing a Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding.

They also supported India’s progress towards International Energy Agency (IEA) membership.

Both sides celebrated the progress on establishing a Green Transition Fund, with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund pledging $500 million each to encourage private sector investment in renewable energy and clean technologies.

Global health and development

The leaders welcomed India’s ratification of agreements under Pillar III and IV of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), emphasizing its goal of fostering resilience, sustainability, and economic growth among its 14 partners.

They celebrated the U.S.-India Drug Policy Framework and a Memorandum of Understanding to combat synthetic drug trafficking and deepen public health collaboration. The leaders also endorsed the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs Threats.

They applauded the first U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue and the Bio5 pharmaceutical partnership, as well as a $50 million loan to Panacea Biotech for vaccine production, and discussed expanded cooperation on healthcare, small businesses, and agricultural innovation.

The leaders launched the U.S.-India Global Digital Development Partnership, which promotes responsible digital technology use in Asia and Africa, and strengthened cooperation with Tanzania through the Triangular Development Partnership, focusing on renewable energy and healthcare.

They welcomed the signing of a bilateral Cultural Property Agreement and the repatriation of Indian antiquities from the U.S. in 2024. The leaders also pledged to continue working together on shared G20 goals for sustainable development and financial growth.