Small Nuclear Reactors, Jet Engine, Drone Deals And More: Here's What Will Be On Agenda During Biden's Inaugural India Visit

With US President Joe Biden set to arrive in India for the G20 summit, both New Delhi and Washington are actively working on a range of important agreements.

These include discussions on a potential nuclear pact focused on small modular nuclear reactors, the development of a specialised academic program for Indian students, progress on a drone deal, and movement towards US Congress approval for a defence deal on jet engines.

Additionally, there are plans for a joint humanitarian aid effort for Ukraine, the establishment of a more liberal visa regime for Indians, and the opening of new consulates in each other's countries.

Indian and US officials have been engaged in intense negotiations over the past few weeks to frame a “robust” and “outcome-oriented” joint communique for President Biden's inaugural visit to India as US President, Indian Express reported citing sources.

The last US President to visit India was Donald Trump in February 2020.

Biden, who has previously visited India on multiple occasions in different capacities, is eager to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

His visit aims to build upon the successful state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington DC in June.

It is worth noting that bilateral visits are typically not included in the G20 summits.

However, India has made an exception for both the US President and the Saudi Crown Prince.

India and the US are aiming to resolve their differences over the nuclear deal, particularly regarding the civil nuclear liability law.

Both sides are hopeful of reaching an agreement or understanding to establish small nuclear reactors, which are considered less capital intensive compared to larger reactors.

In June, discussions took place between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) regarding the construction of six nuclear reactors in India.

Currently, there is a strong focus on developing next-generation small modular reactor technologies, which are intended for both the domestic market and for export to other countries.

Efforts are also being made to expedite the GE jet engines deal, which was agreed upon during the June visit.

This deal involves General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited collaborating on the manufacturing of GE F-414 jet engines in India for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2.

With the recent approval from the US Congress, allowing for a higher level of transfer of US jet engine technology, both sides are working towards concluding this deal promptly.

In addition to the GE jet engine deal, negotiations are underway for a "Security of Supply arrangement" and a "Reciprocal Defense Procurement agreement" between the two sides.

After India conveyed its plans to procure General Atomics MQ-9B HALE UAVs, the two sides are discussing a plan that General Atomics will also establish a Comprehensive Global MRO facility.

An official announcement regarding this collaboration is expected to be made during Biden's visit.

Efforts are underway to create academic programmes tailored for Indian students in collaboration with the United States.

These programmes will offer STEM courses for a year-long Master's degree, allowing students to specialise in a particular industry.

Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to work in the US for up to three years.

Despite differences in their stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both Washington and New Delhi are contemplating the possibility of jointly providing aid to Ukraine.

India has already sent around 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including essential medicines, medical equipment, blankets, tents, and food.

The most recent shipment was delivered by the Indian ambassador in Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia, where the nuclear plant is located, last month.

Both Washington and India have made different contributions in response to the situation, with Washington providing lethal weapons and India offering humanitarian aid.

However, there are discussions about the possibility of jointly providing humanitarian aid as a message to Moscow. The final decision on this proposal is still pending.

The two sides have also planned to launch a pilot programme to handle domestic renewals of specific petition-based temporary work visas.

It is expected that a definite date for the launch of this program will be announced during the US President's visit.

The implementation of this programme will greatly benefit Indian nationals who hold H1-B visas. Furthermore, there are plans to extend this facility to other visa categories as well.

In addition, both countries will also commence the establishment of new consulates.

The United States will set up consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, while India will establish a consulate in Seattle.

An official announcement regarding the establishment of these consulates is expected as well.