President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited India this week, marking their first trip to the country since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office on May 26, 2014. This visit highlights the growing partnership between the United States and India in areas such as economic development and democratic governance. President Obama is noted as the first sitting U.S. president to visit India twice during his tenure.
During a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This is a natural global partnership. It has become even more relevant in the digital age. It is needed even more in our world for far-reaching changes and widespread turmoil. The success of this partnership is important for our progress and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity around the world.”
A state dinner was held where President Obama toasted Prime Minister Modi. At this event, he quoted a hymn dear to Mahatma Gandhi: “Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.” He added, “Here in the eventide, Indians and Americans, let us know, in the darkness or day, in good times or bad, whenever one of us looks to the other, we will surely say, abide with me.”
President Obama was also honored as the chief guest at India's 66th Republic Day celebrations on January 26th. This marked an historic moment as he became the first U.S. president to attend these celebrations which commemorate when India's constitution came into effect.
In discussions on climate change cooperation between both nations, several agreements were made including enhancing bilateral climate change efforts to reach an ambitious agreement in Paris that year. They also agreed on cooperating on Hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol and expanding research funding through PACE-R for solar energy and biofuels.
On trade relations under President Obama's administration, there has been a significant increase by about 60 percent reaching nearly $100 billion annually between both countries. However, this figure still falls short compared to trade with China prompting further initiatives to bolster economic ties. As part of these efforts:
- The Export-Import Bank will provide up to $1 billion financing for "Made-in-America" exports.
- OPIC will support small and medium businesses across India resulting in over $1 billion loans.
- The U.S. Trade and Development Agency aims to leverage nearly $2 billion investments into renewable energy within India.
The visit underscores continued commitment from both sides towards strengthening their strategic relationship across multiple domains including climate action and economic collaboration.