Biden and Modi meet Apple, Google CEOs and other executives as Indian premier wraps state visit
Associated PressWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday joined top American and Indian executives in talks to increase cooperation between the two countries on artificial intelligence, semiconductor production and space. On the final day of Modi’s four-day state visit, the leaders put a spotlight on the “Innovation Handshake,” a new initiative aimed at addressing regulatory hurdles that stand in the way of partnership between the two countries. Modi commended Biden for seeing “the possibility that India represents.” As part of Modi’s state’s visit — the first by an Indian leader since Manmohan Singh in 2009 — the two leaders announced several major investments by U.S.-based companies in India. “I remember them talking about the importance of fighting corruption and fighting for equality regardless of one’s belief or caste.” These lessons “first inspired my interest in public service.” Modi said the U.S. and India have been on “a long and beautiful journey” with unprecedented cooperation in defense and strategic areas as well as new trust in resolving longstanding trade issues.