'US jet engine deal will be significant'

The successful conclusion of a deal to co-manufacture jet engines by General Electric and India’s HAL could be a significant development for the India-US partnership, said former Indian Ambassador to the US Arun Singh, given the reluctance of previous administrations to transfer such sensitive technology to India

- Shashank Mattoo

Edited excerpts from an interview:

Modi’s visit comes at a time of growing convergence between India and the US. How do you see this visit?

The protocol, programming and the ongoing substantive preparations indicate that both sides are seeking to maximize outcomes and messaging from the visit. Modi will be only the third State-level visitor of the Biden Administration, after French President Macron in November 2022 and South Korean President Yoon in April 2023.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan visited India on 13-14 June to prepare for the visit and also discuss with his counterpart, Indian NSA Ajit Doval, on advancing cooperation between the two countries in critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum, telecommunication, space, biotech, semiconductors and defence.