NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the United States on Tuesday to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress, with military and technological ties on the agenda as his hosts seek a regional counter to China.
The leader of the world's most populous nation will also receive all the pomp of a state dinner at the White House on Thursday -- only Biden's third since his inauguration.
Hailed by New Delhi as a "historic" chance to "expand and consolidate" ties, the visit comes at a time of rising concerns on human rights and democratic backsliding under the Hindu nationalist leader.
But Washington is seeking to boost ties with a potential regional ally to counter an increasingly assertive China. Analysts expect landmark announcements in clean energy and strategic technology, including a deal to jointly produce fighter jet engines.
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'Deep alignment'
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, on a visit to New Delhi earlier this month, announced an "ambitious new roadmap for defence industrial cooperation" with India.
It has been linked to a likely announcement, expected at this week's summit, of a long-discussed multibillion-dollar plan to co-produce jet engines in India.
New Delhi has been trying to become less dependent on Russian military hardware by diversifying imports and boosting domestic production.
With many countries wooing Modi, Washington hopes its co-production and technology offers will help secure a key market.
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