Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House during his official visit to the United States. The meeting, held in the early hours of Friday (Indian time), saw both leaders engage in discussions on trade, security, defence, and international relations.
Upon his arrival at the Oval Office, Trump greeted Modi warmly, calling him a “great friend” of many years. In response, Modi acknowledged Trump’s return to office, saying, “We missed you a lot.”
Following their bilateral meeting, Trump announced that India had agreed to import more oil and gas from the US to address trade imbalances. Their talks also covered collaborations in space exploration and global security.
MAGA + MIGA = ‘MEGA’ partnership
During a joint briefing, PM Modi introduced the concept of ‘Make India Great Again’ (MIGA), inspired by Trump’s well-known slogan, ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA).
“The people of America are well aware of President Trump’s motto ‘MAGA – Make America Great Again.’ The people of India, too, are focusing on heritage and development as they move forward towards Viksit Bharat 2047. In the language of America, it’s ‘Make India Great Again’ – MIGA. When America and India work together, MAGA plus MIGA becomes a ‘MEGA partnership for prosperity’,” Modi stated.
Proposed trade agreements
Trump revealed that both nations were working on upcoming trade agreements. “We have separate big trade deals to announce in the very near future. We are going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and for the US,” he said.
Modi congratulated Trump on his second term and emphasised India’s commitment to strengthening relations. “I firmly believe that in your second term, we will work with more speed. President Trump always keeps the national interest of the US supreme, and like him, I also keep the national interest of India at the top,” he added.
Trump also highlighted India’s increased purchases of American oil and gas, stating: “India needs energy, and we have more oil and gas than any other country in the world.”
Civil nuclear deal revitalised
Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the US-India civil nuclear agreement, first signed over 16 years ago. They announced plans to collaborate on US-designed nuclear reactors in India, with large-scale localisation and potential technology transfer.
India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Addressing concerns over India’s position on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, PM Modi asserted that India was not neutral but rather an advocate for peace.
“I support President Trump’s efforts towards finding a solution to end the war. Many think India has been neutral, but I reiterate that we are on the side of peace,” he said. Modi recalled his previous conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he had stated, “This is not the era for war.”
Expanding defence cooperation
The two leaders announced a significant expansion in military ties, including India’s potential acquisition of F-35 stealth fighter jets. “We will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” Trump stated.
The Lockheed Martin F-35, a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet, was recently showcased at the Aero India exhibition in Bengaluru.
Extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur rana
A major development in Indo-US security cooperation was Trump’s approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
“I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters (Tahawwur Rana), one of the most evil people in the world, who was involved in the horrific 2008 Mumbai attack. He is going back to India to face justice,” Trump declared.
Commitment to addressing illegal immigration
PM Modi assured that India was willing to take back any of its nationals residing illegally in the US.
“Those who stay in other countries illegally do not have any legal right to be there. If any verified Indian citizens are living in the US illegally, India is ready to take them back,” he said. Modi also stressed the importance of dismantling human trafficking networks.
“Our bigger fight is against human trafficking. Together, India and the US must dismantle this ecosystem from its roots,” he added.
Trade target of $500 billion by 2030
Both leaders set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. PM Modi highlighted the importance of an energy-secure future and stronger trade ties.
“Today, we have set a target to more than double our bilateral trade, reaching $500 billion by 2030. Our teams will soon finalise a mutually beneficial trade agreement,” he announced.
More Read
Trump praises Modi’s negotiation skills
During the press conference, Trump was asked who was the tougher negotiator between the two. Without hesitation, he responded:
“He (PM Modi) is a much tougher negotiator than me and a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”
A new global trade route
Trump unveiled a major trade initiative, calling it one of the “biggest trade routes in all of history.” He stated that it would connect India, Israel, Italy, and the United States through an extensive network of roads, railways, and undersea cables.
Addressing trade barriers
Before his meeting with Modi, Trump had commented on the difficulties of trading with India, citing high tariffs and trade restrictions.
“It’s very hard to sell to India because they have trade barriers and high tariffs,” he remarked. Earlier, Trump had announced reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners, set to take effect in April, after unsuccessful attempts to persuade India to lower its import duties.
Conclusion
The Modi-Trump meeting underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and the US. From trade deals and defence agreements to global security and immigration, both leaders emphasised their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. With ambitious goals for trade and security, the two nations appear poised to strengthen their global influence in the years ahead.
