12 Expectations from PM Modi's U.S. Trip

BANGALORE: India is progressing to strengthen its ‘vital partnership’ with U.S. PM Modi’s first visit to U.S. had established bilateral strategic ties between the two nations. A year after his first visit, PM Modi has left again for U.S. for a five day trip which is expected to be packed with political and business solemnities.

His stay from 23-28 September will continue on the substantial ground covered during his last year’s visit to U.S. and President Obama's visit to India.

The five day trip is expected to score a new chapter in the ties of these two nations. The visit would start from attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York followed by heading to the Silicon Valley in California where he would also meet Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg.

Let us have a look at the 12 expectations we have from the ensuing visit of PM Modi to U.S., reports indiatoday.

#1 The U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden said on September 22 that America wants to be "India's best friend" and India emphasizing that the ties are defined by the natural synergy of democracies. "There is no reason why the two largest democracies should not continue to have increasingly better and more productive relationship. The two nations should work together as strategic partners to bring about a safer and a more prosperous world," he added.

#2 Since India has a prime role to perform in the climate talks to be held in Paris in December, the shared interests of the global community and the contributions of the nations towards the same are likely to be discussed between PM Modi and President Obama. The two leaders are expected to have substantial discussion on the future of the planet.

#3 Modi’s visit to Tesla's Fremont plant would not only study the zero emissions cars but also the ‘Powerwall’, a home battery charged by solar panels. Focusing on the clean energy initiative of India to bring a huge amount of solar energy in the scene, India would seek U.S. help in the $100 billion project.

#4 The Clean Power Plan was recently announced in U.S., an initiative to battle against climate change. The initiative focuses trimming down the carbon pollution by 32 percent emitted from U.S. power plants from 2005 levels by 2030 and would encourage clean energy markets.

#5 Energy source and generation in India will also hold importance in this trip. India is in need of clean energy where even today coal is utilized as the primary source of energy contributing to the emissions in the atmosphere. It should come into notice that a vast section of the population lives without power. 

#6 The tightened defense and civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations is likely to come up with some announcements.   In an attempt to balance China's expansion, the two economies have agreed to train peacekeepers in Africa.

#7 Ahead of his visit, Modi cleared a multi-billion dollar deal with American aviation giant Boeing to buy 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers. This marked one of more defense deals signed with U.S.

#8 Following the visit of U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter to India, both the nations are expected to speed up talks on deals concerning jet engines and building aircraft carriers, where India would seek access to state-of-the-art U.S. technology for its carrier.

#9 With a view to strengthen the defense ties with India, a country special cell has been set up by the Pentagon to speed up the manufacture of hi-end military equipments. Keith Webster, director, International Cooperation Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics will be heading the India Rapid Reaction Cell (IRRC).

#10 Rich possibilities of partnership in education are also on the cards considering the surge of 40 percent in the number of Indian students applying to study in U.S.

#11 Indian startups would get an international exposure at 'India-U.S. Start-up Konnect', hosted by the Nasscom, TiE Silicon Valley and IIM Ahmedabad's CIIE India. A bright chance for Indian ventures to showcase their ideas and forge partnerships with Silicon Valley investors.

#12 Social and economic challenges as well, as global issues related to India will be discussed with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. 

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