Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Washington DC, where he is staying at the Blair House. Today (Thursday Feb 13, 2025) the day will start with a set of bilateral meetings, although the specifics of these talks have not been disclosed so far.
Following this, PM Modi will meet President Donald Trump at the White House for discussions on Thursday (Feb 13, 2025), including delegation-level talks, which are expected to cover a wide range of issues.
Trade, Tariffs, and Energy
As reported previously by FinancialExpress.com, trade and tariff related issues are expected to dominate the discussions between PM Modi and President Trump.The two leaders will focus on reducing import tariffs and resolving long-standing trade disputes,” said a source familiar with the agenda. The US is India’s largest trading partner, with trade touching $118 billion in 2023-24, making economic cooperation a key priority.
PM Modi is also expected to raise concerns about the H-1B visa program, which is vital for India’s IT professionals working in the US. “India remains the largest recipient of H-1B visas, and PM Modi will likely advocate for its expansion,” the source quoted above stated. Furthermore, India’s recent decision to cut tariffs on high-end motorcycles and electric batteries could help smooth over trade tensions.
Defence Cooperation
FinancialExpress.com has recently reported that the major focus of discussions between the two leaders would be deepening of defence cooperation and collaboration.
India’s relations with the US in Trump’s first term between 2017 and 2021, saw significant developments which focused on engagement in strategic cooperation and shared geopolitical goals.
India is in the process of acquiring 31 US-made drones worth $4 billion, and is also exploring the possibility of purchasing F-35 fighter jets from the US. Some pending military platforms including the Apache Helicopters for the Indian Army is on the table for discusions as well as the long delayed GE engines for India’s Light Combat Aircraft `Tejas’.
The leaders are expected to discuss joint military exercises, technology-sharing agreements, and strengthening Indian armed forces with advanced US defence equipment. At the ongoing Aero India 2025, all global companies are watching keenly today’s meeting between Modi and Trump and what will be the outcome related to defence cooperation. The big question is: will India go for the F-21 of Lockheed Martin or will India prefer F35 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force?
As previously reported the two sides have already made significant advances in defence cooperation, particularly through agreements such as the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), signed in 2018. COMCASA is a pivotal agreement that enables the secure transfer of sensitive communication equipment between the two nations, enhancing the interoperability of their forces. The agreement has been crucial in improving strategic military collaboration between the US and India.
India – Russia and Energy Security
When the talks take place at White House later today the two leaders are expected to discuss energy security and India’s relations with Russia.
China and Regional Security
A central theme of the discussions will be regional security, particularly concerning China’s growing influence in South Asia. “Both nations are focused on countering China’s presence in the region, and taking forward the Quad agenda comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia. The growing role of China in the Indo-Pacific and its activities in the South China Sea will also likely feature in the talks.
Later this year, the Quad Leaders’ Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi and the US President is expected to visit India again.
Immigration and Deportation: A Sensitive Issue
The visit comes at a politically sensitive time, as a recent batch of 104 Indian immigrants was deported from the US, which caused considerable controversy in India. Images of deportees in shackles aboard a military aircraft sparked public outcry. As reported previously, India has expressed its willingness to take back its citizens but has criticized the manner in which deportations have been carried out. Another batch of 487 Indians, is expected to be deported soon. This issue will likely be raised during PM Modi’s discussions with President Trump.
Global Strategic Partnership
On the global stage, PM Modi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a strong strategic relationship between India and the US.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister stated, “India and the United States share a deep and growing global strategic partnership. Our shared values and interests bind us together. I look forward to further enhancing our collaboration across a wide range of sectors, from trade to defence and beyond.”
This statement highlights the growing importance of India-US ties, particularly in the context of global security and economic challenges.
A Stronger India-US Partnership
The invitation for PM Modi to visit the US so soon after the start of the new administration demonstrates the significance of the India-US relationship. The two leaders are expected to issue a joint statement, which will emphasize the strengthening of their strategic ties.