India and US strengthen ties in clean energy and defence partnerships

India’s power ministry held a pivotal meeting on Thursday with a US delegation led by John Podesta, senior advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy. The talks focused on exploring avenues for collaboration in clean energy, particularly in upgrading India’s energy infrastructure and manufacturing capacity.

Both sides discussed the potential for technical exchanges and financial support to modernise India’s transmission systems. They also considered expanding the country’s manufacturing capacity in critical sectors, such as large transformers. The discussions underscored the importance of state-to-state partnerships, especially in long-duration energy storage studies and the development of grid-scale battery storage solutions.

Power Minister Manohar Lal highlighted the shared commitment between India and the US to a clean energy future that addresses environmental concerns and fosters economic growth and development. The US delegation expressed interest in supporting India’s efforts to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, particularly in high-efficiency air conditioning systems and fans, which are crucial for energy conservation.

The meeting emphasised the crucial role of the India-US partnership in driving the global clean energy transition, with both nations expressing a strong commitment to deepening their cooperation in these areas. The Indian government noted that these efforts align with broader sustainable development and energy security goals.

In a parallel development, the Pentagon reaffirmed the strength of the military-to-military relationship between India and the United States. This announcement came on the eve of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meeting with US Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd. Rajnath Singh, who arrived in Washington on Thursday for a four-day visit, is set to meet Austin at the Pentagon on Friday to bolster the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two nations.

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh highlighted the robust nature of this defence relationship, noting that cooperation between the two countries has deepened significantly. She emphasised that the close coordination and strong working relationship between India and the US extend beyond the Department of Defense to include broader governmental collaboration. Singh’s remarks reinforced that the India-US defence partnership remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.

Source: Economic Times & Livemint