- NASA will provide advanced training to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) astronauts, with the goal of a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024.
- A strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation between NASA and ISRO is being developed by the end of 2023.
- Joint collaboration on trustworthy and responsible AI, including generative AI, will promote AI education, workforce initiatives, and commercial opportunities.
- India's leadership as Chair of the Global Partnership on AI was commended, and Google's investment in Indian startups and AI research centre was appreciated.
- A cooperative arrangement has been signed with India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to promote emerging technologies.
- Epsilon Carbon Limited, an Indian company, will invest in a greenfield electric vehicle battery component factory in the US.
- India intends to procure armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs from General Atomics to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
- Agreements have been reached for service and repair of US Navy ships at Indian shipyards, fostering closer cooperation.
- Master Ship Repair Agreements with Indian shipyards will expedite contracting processes for mid-voyage and emergent repair.
- The roadmap aims to enable co-production of advanced defence systems and collaborative research, testing, and prototyping.
Note:
- India and US have four foundational defence agreements:
- Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA).
- General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).
- Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).
- Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).
- Fighting Terror and Drugs: The US and India stand united in countering global terrorism, condemning terrorism and violent extremism in all forms.
- Emphasis is placed on taking action against UN-listed terrorist groups and urging Pakistan to prevent the use of its territory for launching attacks.
- A counternarcotics framework will be developed to disrupt the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, including synthetic drugs and precursors.
- India will continue to participate as an observer in the Partners in the Blue Pacific.
- A Indian Ocean Dialogue will be held, bringing together experts and stakeholders to enhance regional coordination.
- The U.S. endorsed India's permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council and India's candidature as a non-permanent member for the 2028-29 term.
- Agreements will be signed to further research on diabetes, and a US-India Cancer Dialogue will be hosted to accelerate progress against cancer.
- Recognizing the potential of DPI approaches, both countries aim to provide global leadership in promoting inclusive development, competitive markets, and protecting individual rights.
- Collaboration will be pursued to develop and deploy robust DPIs, with safeguards for privacy, data security, and intellectual property.
- Bilateral trade exceeds USD 191 billion in 2022, with a focus on greater engagement and technical cooperation in emerging technologies, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals.
- Harmonisation of standards and regulations, lowering barriers to trade and investment, and promoting an innovative digital economy.
- Resolution of outstanding WTO disputes and market access issues, with further engagement through the India-US Trade Policy Forum.
- Exploring restoration of India's status under the U.S. Generalised System of Preferences program and recognition as a Trade Agreements Act-designated country.
- Innovative investment platforms will be created to attract international private finance for renewable energy, battery storage, and emerging green technology projects in India.
- The US Agency for International Development will support Indian Railways' target to become a "net-zero" carbon emitter by 2030.
- Initiatives have been taken to simplify visa renewals for certain petition-based temporary work visas, benefiting Indian nationals and reducing the need to leave the country for renewal.
- Plans are underway to open new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, fostering closer diplomatic ties.
- Student exchanges and scholarships have been enhanced, with a record number of visas issued to Indian students, and increased opportunities for US undergraduate students to study or intern in India.
- The Leaders welcomed the establishment of the Tamil Studies Chair at the University of Houston and reinstating the Vivekananda Chair at the University of Chicago to further research and teaching of India’s history and culture.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 Consider the following statements about G-20: (2023)
- The G20 group was originally established as a platform for finance ministers and central bank governors to discuss international economic and financial issues.
- Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2Ans: C
Mains:
Q. What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (2019)
