Sun Sep 22 12:00:36 UTC 2024: ## India and US Strengthen Ties with Drone Deal, Semiconductor Plant, and Cultural Artifacts Return

**Washington D.C.** – During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Delaware, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed key areas of cooperation, further strengthening the already robust India-US partnership.

**Defense Partnership Boosted by Drone Deal:**
The US President welcomed India’s purchase of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B drones, including 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian models. These drones will significantly enhance India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The MQ-9B Predator is known for its silent operation, long range, and ability to carry various payloads, including missiles.

**Semiconductor Collaboration in Kolkata:**
The two leaders also discussed the establishment of a new semiconductor fabrication plant in Kolkata, India. The plant, supported by the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force, will focus on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, telecommunications, and green energy. The plant will also boost research and development in chip manufacturing.

**Cultural Artifacts Return:**
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Biden for the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. This follows a July agreement between India and the US to combat illegal trafficking of cultural property and return such objects to their rightful place.

**Other Key Discussions:**
President Biden highlighted the dynamic and strengthened US-India partnership and emphasized the importance of India’s voice on the global stage, supporting India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council. He also commended PM Modi for his recent visits to Poland and Ukraine, praising India’s commitment to peace and its humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

**PM Modi’s US Visit:**
The meeting is part of PM Modi’s three-day visit to the US, aiming to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. PM Modi will also address the United Nations General Assembly, participate in a roundtable with American CEOs, and engage with the Indian community.

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