Thank you for having me, Myron, and hello to all my friends at the USIBC Ideas Summit.
It was just over a year ago that many of us met in Washington, right before my visit to
New Delhi.
It was a trip that deepened the partnership between our two countries immensely.
I know you’re used to hearing that we’re the oldest and the most populous democracies
in the world.
That’s true, and it’s important to reiterate.
We share a reverence for freedom, rule of law, and human rights that runs deep.
As I said in Delhi, the United States desires a new age of ambition in our relationship.
We don’t just interact on a bilateral basis.
“We see each other for what we are: great democracies, global powers, and good friends.”
India is one of a few trusted, like-minded countries whose leaders I call on a regular
basis for counsel and collaboration, on issues that span continents.
I’m grateful in particular to Minister Jaishanker (“Jai-SHANK-ar”) for his friendship and
his sage advice.
It’s important that democracies like ours work together, especially as we see more clearly
than ever the true scope of the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
Our infrastructure projects, our supply chains, our sovereignty, and our people’s health,
and safety are all at risk.
The recent clashes initiated by the PLA are just the latest examples of the CCP’s unacceptable
behavior.
We were deeply saddened by the deaths of 20 Indian service members.
I’m confident that, with our concerted efforts, we can protect our interests.
I especially commend India’s recent decision to ban 59 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok,
that present serious security risks for the Indian people.
And I’m happy to report that India is a rising U.S. defense and security partner in
the Indo-Pacific and globally.
In December, Defense Secretary Esper and I hosted the second-ever 2+2 Dialogue with our
Indian counterparts.
The United States has never been more supportive of India’s security.
India is also an important partner in a key pillar of President Trump’s foreign policy
– multilateralism that actually works.
We worked closely together to make sure the World Intellectual Property Organization election
was won by someone who respects property rights.
We have revived the so-called “Quad,” comprised of the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia.
India is also part of a group of like-minded nations that I’ve convened regularly to
advance shared interests.
We’ve also invited Prime Minster Modi to the next G7, where we’ll advance the Economic
Prosperity Network.
It’s a group of countries and organizations that we consider natural partners because
we share values like transparency and the rule of law.
This will pay real dividends and strengthen global ties.
We see that now as India has a chance to attract global supply chains away from China and reduce
its reliance on Chinese companies in areas like telecommunications and medical supplies.
India is in this position because it has earned the trust of many nations, including the United
States.
We also want to work with India to advance the Blue Dot Network, an initiative to promote
high-quality, transparent infrastructure development.
This effort is crucial to adopt, because free markets are the best way to lift people out
of poverty.
India has seen that in its own recent past.
That’s an especially vital truth to remember today, because the private sector will be
indispensable in overcoming the economic damage caused by the pandemic that began in Wuhan.
But as I said last year, to achieve these worthy goals, India will need to encourage
an environment that is more open to increased trade and investment.
I know that’s possible, because Indians and Americans share a spirit of hard work
and entrepreneurship.
And I’m confident our partnership is only getting stronger.
Let’s emerge from this current challenge more resilient and innovative than before.
And let’s seize this moment to deepen cooperation between two of the world’s great democracies.
Thank you for having me today.
Have a wonderful rest of your summit.