Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to the United States, during which he met President Donald Trump at the White House. The visit took place amidst high expectation regarding trade deals, defense alliance, and global politics. There were lengthy interactions between the two leaders to solidify cooperation in some of the most crucial areas such as defense, energy, and critical technologies.

The major points of their meeting and implications for the bilateral relationship are as follows:

Enhancing Trade Relations Between India and the US

Trade was among the core areas of interest of the Modi-Trump meeting. Trump promised future historic trade agreements between the two nations, promising mutually beneficial economic interactions.

We’re going to be trading with India as well. We have two large trade agreements to make announcements about in the near future. We’re going to have fantastic trade deals for India and the US,” Trump stated.

Prime Minister Modi reciprocated by acknowledging the steady upward trajectory of India-US relations. He expressed confidence in working at a faster pace during Trump’s second term, emphasizing that both leaders prioritize their national interests while strengthening bilateral cooperation.

PM Modi’s Stance on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

PM Modi reaffirmed India’s position in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, clarifying that India is not neutral but stands firmly on the side of peace.

I welcome Donald Trump’s efforts towards a possible solution to end the war. The world somehow conveys the impression that India was neutral during the war. But let me clarify that India has not been neutral. On the contrary, India has been on the side of peace,” Modi said.

Modi’s remarks underscored India’s diplomatic approach, highlighting past engagements with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine, and emphasizing the necessity of dialogue over battlefield solutions.

US to Supply F-35 Fighter Jets to India

In a major defense development, Trump announced that the United States will be increasing military sales to India and paving the way for India to acquire advanced F-35 fighter jets.

Starting this year, we will be selling India many billions of dollars more in defense sales. We are opening the door to ultimately sell India the F-35, Stealth fighters,” Trump stated.

The action is likely to enhance India’s military strength, a major boost to Indo-US defense ties.

Extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India

Trump approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who was accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, and he will receive justice in India.

“I am happy to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the conspirators (Tahawwur Rana) and one of the very bad people of the world, with respect to the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face trial in India,” Trump stated.

PM Modi welcomed the action and once more reiterated the common determination of India and the US in countering terror.

Fighting Khalistani Separatist Activity in the US

Responding to concerns about certain segments, particularly Khalistani separatists, working against India’s interests in the US, Trump yielded earlier differences between India and the Biden administration on security issues.

“But as you pointed out, we are extraditing a very violent individual… and there are many more to follow because we have a lot of requests. We co-operate with India on crime, and we would like to be helpful to India. That kind of relation is very important to us,” Trump stated.

India’s Stand on Illegal Nationals in the US

Prime Minister Modi discussed the issue of illegal Indian citizens in the US and said that India is willing to take them back and, while doing so, also reiterated the importance of eradicating human trafficking.

“People who are staying in other countries illegally have no legal right to stay there. India and the US are concerned, and we have always believed that those individuals who are verified and actually the citizen of India – if they stay in the US illegally, India is ready to repatriate them,” said PM Modi.

Targeting a USD 500 Billion Trade by 2030

The political leadership embraced a vision of USD 500 billion of two-way trade by 2030, with working groups of the two countries working on a two-way trade agreement that would prove mutually beneficial.

“The American people are well accustomed to President Trump’s motto ‘MAGA – Make America Great Again.’ The Indian people also are pondering development and heritage as they are progressing at a fast pace and with a firm resolve towards attaining the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047,” PM Modi noted.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Agreement

Trump and Modi agreed to collaborate to build the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which Trump referred to as “one of the greatest trade routes in history.”

“We agreed to work together to assist in building one of the greatest trade routes in all of history. It will go from India to Israel to Italy and then on to the US, joining our partners, roads, rails, and underwater cables,” Trump stated.

This initiative would enhance trade interconnectivity and efficiency between India, the US, and Europe.

Trump’s Proposal to Facilitate India-China Border Clash

Trump volunteered to facilitate the India-China border clashes, calling them “quite violent.”

“If I can do something about it, I’d love to help, because that should end. That’s been going on a long time, and it’s quite violent,” Trump added.

Conclusion: Boosting India-US Strategic Partnership

Modi-Trump summit brought to the forefront the intensifying strategic relationship between India and the US. The negotiations addressed material issues, from trade, defense cooperation, and counterterrorism to economic cooperation, and geo-political concerns. The two leaders reasserted their commitment to enhance ties further, with ambitious trade targets and military advances securing the bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Modi headed back to India following the fruitful visit, behind him were large developments that might shape the fate of India-US relations in years to come.

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