All you need to know about Narendra Modi-Barack Obama joint article

Ahead of their meeting in Washington DC, an article co-authored by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama titled 'A renewed US-India partnership for the 21st century' has been published in The Washington Post. Here are 5 takeaways from the opinion piece. 

1.History of shared traditions 

Modi and Obama give several examples to establish the deep ties between the two countries. They say that when Swami Vivekananda projected Hinduism in the world map, he used the platform of the World Parliament of Religion in Chicago. Similarly, Martin Luther King got inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. From the green revolution to the technological excellence of IIT, all have been a result of collaboration between two of the greatest democracies of the world. The article further goes on to say that in the current age, the collaboration has only become more extensive. From students to militaries and space scientists, in every sphere there are unprecedented areas of cooperation, leading both the countries from Earth to Mars. 

2. True potential of Indo-US relations not yet realised 

Both the world leaders are of the opinion that the new government of India will further deepen the relationship. It should be more driven to ensure actual benefit for the citizens. The effort will be to go beyond the usual model goals and increase collaboration in trade, investment and technology. 

3. US to help India in manufacturing and expand affordable renewable energy

From Day 2 of his US tour, Narendra Modi has been harping on the importance of boosting the manufacturing industry in the country to augment growth. He has given a red carpet for global investors to set up shop in India. The editorial suggests that the Modi-Obama talks will give special emphasis to increase scope of the manufacturing sector in India. There will be discussions to expand the ambit of pre-existing infrastructure in generating affordable renewable energy. 

4.  US set to help in the "Swach Bharat " Mission

In his first few months in office, Narendra Modi has given particular emphasis to his "Swach Bharat" or  "Clean India" Mission. Many have expressed their reservation to the fruitfulness of the campaign considering the size of the country. But now Modi's vision is set to get a shot in arm, with US ready to give its technological expertise to improve sanitation and hygiene throughout the country. 

5. Joint cooperation in health, science and security to increase

The article states that the US is all set to benefit from a stronger, prosperous India. There is a specific mention of making larger effort to integrate South Asia and connect it with markets in Central and Southeast Asia. 

Both leaders have pledged to share data for ensuring homeland security. Health collaboration will help in tackling the menace of life threatening diseases and also common ailments in tuberculosis, malaria and dengue. 

The article also talks about how close coordination in space research will also continue in future. It ends with a Hindi phrase: Chalein sath sath or "Forward together we go​"

This is a pre-cursor to the possible deals that will be inked between Modi and Obama on Tuesday. Rest assured, the entire world will be watching.