PM Modi, President Biden hail landmark Air India-Boeing deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden and the two leaders hailed the landmark agreement signed by Air India to purchase over 200 aircraft from Boeing as “a shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation that will create new employment opportunities in both countries.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which has resulted in robust growth in all domains,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.

“The Prime Minister invited Boeing and other US companies to make use of the opportunities arising due to the expanding civil aviation sector in India,” the statement added.

Biden noted how the sale will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and help Air India meet growing demands for air transportation in India, according to a White House statement.

“This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a four-year college degree. This announcement also reflects the strength of the US-India economic partnership. Together with Prime Minister Modi, I look forward to deepening our partnership even further as we continue to confront shared global challenges–creating a more secure and prosperous future for all of our citizens,” Biden said.

President Biden and PM Modi also discussed the importance of the strategic technology partnership between India and the United States, highlighting the recent inaugural launch of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology hosted in Washington two weeks ago, the White House statement added.

Air India, which will buy 250 aircraft from Airbus, has also selected Boeing for the purchase of up to 290 planes as part of its growth strategy.

Boeing said, in a statement, that Air India has selected up to 290 of its jets to serve its strategy for sustainable growth. It said Air India has selected 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X airplanes. The agreement between Boeing and Air India includes options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9s aircraft.