PM Modi’s Upcoming US Visit: Trade, Security, and Strategic Power Play
New Delhi, February 8, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a high-profile visit to the United States on February 12-13, marking his first bilateral engagement with President Donald Trump since the latter’s re-election. The visit is expected to focus on trade, defense, and nuclear cooperation, further strengthening the India-US strategic partnership.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that Trump’s invitation to Modi within weeks of his second term underscores bipartisan support for strong India-US relations. Before heading to Washington, Modi will stop in France on February 10-11 to co-chair the AI Action Summit with President Emmanuel Macron.
Key Agenda: Trade and Investment
Trade and investment will be at the forefront of Modi’s discussions with Trump and senior US officials. India is particularly keen on reviving talks over the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) trade benefits, which were revoked during Trump’s first term. While Misri did not confirm whether previous trade negotiations would be resumed, he emphasized that the discussions will be “very intense.”
Additionally, India and the US are expected to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy, focusing on joint development of small modular reactors, which aligns with India’s clean energy goals and long-term energy security.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense cooperation will be a major pillar of Modi’s visit. The US has been advocating for India to procure more American-made military hardware, a move that fits into Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Modi’s engagements will likely include meetings with:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
- National Security Advisor Michael Waltz
India and the US share strong counterterrorism and regional security interests, particularly concerning the Indo-Pacific region. Expanding joint military exercises and enhancing interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces may also be on the agenda.
PM Modi’s US Engagements
During his two-day visit, Modi will:
✅ Hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Trump.
✅ Meet senior US officials and American business leaders.
✅ Address the Indian diaspora in a major event.
There is also speculation about a possible meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, though officials have not confirmed this. India has been actively seeking Tesla’s investment in its electric vehicle sector, and such a meeting could signal potential breakthroughs.
Diplomatic Challenges and Global Issues
Modi’s visit comes at a time of growing concerns in India regarding the deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US. A US military aircraft carrying these deportees landed in Amritsar this week, with reports suggesting that many were handcuffed or shackled during the 40-hour flight. While this issue is unlikely to dominate discussions, it remains a sensitive point in India-US relations.
Additionally, global geopolitical challenges could feature in Modi’s discussions with US officials. When asked about Trump’s recent remarks on using the US military to take control of Gaza, Misri reaffirmed India’s long-standing stance in support of a two-state solution and humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Strengthening the India-US Strategic Partnership
India and the US have shared a strong diplomatic rapport, with Modi having visited the US multiple times during Trump’s first term, including the “Howdy Modi” rally in 2019. Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his re-election in November 2024, signaling the importance India places on its ties with Washington.
Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized that the visit will provide “further direction and momentum” to the India-US strategic partnership. Given the shared interests in economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and regional security, the meeting between Modi and Trump is expected to deepen engagement in the years ahead.
A joint statement summarizing key outcomes of the visit is expected at its conclusion.
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