Strategic Alliance Against the 'Yellow Dragon'; India-U.S. Relations Expand to a New Level

As analysts suggest, the U.S. and India are preparing to elevate their relationship to a new level. On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's role as a 'strategic partner' of the United States in countering China's global influence during a joint session of Congress. According to The Hill, which reports on U.S. congressional news, the Biden administration welcomed Modi with open arms; the Indian Prime Minister referred to the U.S. and India as the oldest and largest democracies and highlighted the importance of their partnership for the future of global democracy. Although some Democratic lawmakers boycotted his speech due to concerns over human rights issues affecting India's Muslim minority, the United States sees India as a vital ally in diversifying supply chains away from China for essential materials, such as semiconductors and minerals. In Congress, the Indian Prime Minister stressed the need for more diverse, flexible, and reliable supply chains, and when he called the U.S. 'India's most important defense partner,' he received a standing ovation from the audience. Previously, lawmakers from both parties had proposed legislation to expedite arms sales to India and streamline the review process. Modi and Biden announced agreements during a joint press conference, including India's purchase of 'armed drones' from the U.S. and 'joint production' of fighter jet engines. Modi expressed his concerns about the confrontation overshadowing the Indian and Pacific Oceans while emphasizing the importance of stability. Earlier, some Democrats in Congress, aligned with human rights groups, criticized Modi's actions regarding the rise of 'Hindu nationalism,' violence against Muslims, and the retreat from civil liberties. Nevertheless, the Indian Prime Minister rejected discrimination and insisted on India's democratic values during a press conference. While three House lawmakers, including Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, boycotted Modi's speech, over 70 lawmakers urged Biden to address human rights and press freedom concerns with the Indian Prime Minister. Modi is currently in the U.S. for discussions with President Biden; the White House considers this meeting a way to solidify 'one of the defining partnerships of our era.' Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has visited the U.S. five times, but this trip marks his first official visit with full diplomatic status. Nearly 2.7 million Indians and Indian-Americans live in the United States. Indian nationals make up nearly three-quarters of the high-skilled guest worker program and a significant number of university students in the U.S.