The Controversial Welcome of Indian PM Modi in the US

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US is a turning point for bilateral relations amid global economic and geopolitical headwinds. The US views India as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region, and the two countries have started seeing eye to eye on the broader Indo-Pacific theatre. The joint statement may not mention China directly, but it will be high on the agenda as the two leaders discuss ways to consolidate their presence in the Indo-Pacific. The two countries have signed the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, and defence co-operation has emerged as a key point of convergence. Trade is not the top priority, but it will certainly feature when the two leaders discuss global supply chain issues owing to the pandemic and China's monopoly.