Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday (Indian time), marking a pivotal moment in India-U.S. relations. The high-profile meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties in defense, trade, energy, and critical technology.
A Warm Reception at the White House
President Trump extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi at the Oval Office, underscoring their longstanding friendship. As the two leaders exchanged greetings, Trump referred to Modi as a "great friend" and emphasized the importance of their discussions. The meeting took place against the backdrop of Trump’s recent announcement of a new reciprocal tariff policy for U.S. trade partners, with India positioned prominently in the discussions.
Advancing Trade Partnerships
During their discussions, President Trump announced plans for significant trade agreements with India. "We are going to work with India closely and finalize some wonderful trade deals," he stated. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Trump on his second term and reiterated his commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Sharing my remarks during meeting with @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/kSqmLuxiPs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
Trump emphasized India’s growing role as a key energy partner, stating, "India will be purchasing a substantial amount of U.S. oil and gas, ensuring a stronger economic relationship." Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial trade environment, adding that both nations had set a target of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Strategic Defense Cooperation
A significant outcome of the talks was the announcement of enhanced military collaboration, including the United States’ agreement to increase arms sales to India. Trump revealed plans to supply India with F-35 stealth fighter jets, further cementing defense ties between the two nations. The move aligns with India’s objective of modernizing its defense infrastructure.
Extradition of Tahawwur Rana
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, President Trump confirmed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. "I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters of the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack," he stated. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the decision, underscoring the commitment of both nations in combating global terrorism.
Addressing Security Concerns
On the issue of Khalistani separatists in the U.S., Trump acknowledged India's security concerns, remarking that previous administrations had not adequately addressed such matters. "We are working with India to curb activities that go against its interests, and we will continue to support India on this front," he affirmed.
Combating Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking
Prime Minister Modi assured that India would take back its nationals living illegally in the United States, emphasizing the need to dismantle human trafficking networks. "Illegal immigration must be addressed, and we are committed to working with the U.S. to eliminate the ecosystem that enables such activities," he stated. Trump welcomed India’s commitment to cooperating on immigration matters.
Strengthening the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
A key highlight of the meeting was the leaders’ agreement to collaborate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing trade routes. "This will be one of the greatest trade corridors in history," Trump noted, emphasizing its strategic significance in global commerce.
Trump Offers to Mediate India-China Border Disputes
Addressing ongoing tensions between India and China, President Trump expressed his willingness to mediate, stating, "Border skirmishes between India and China have been quite intense. If I could be of help, I’d love to assist in resolving the issue." Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's stance on peaceful negotiations while maintaining national security.
Finalizing a Comprehensive Trade Agreement
Modi reiterated India’s intent to finalize a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S. "Our teams will work diligently to ensure a trade deal that benefits both nations," he said. Discussions also covered increased cooperation in energy security, nuclear technology, and infrastructure development.
A Personal Touch: Trump’s Gift to Modi
Following their discussions, President Trump presented Prime Minister Modi with a signed copy of his book, Our Journey Together, featuring images from their joint events, including ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump.’ The gesture underscored the personal rapport between the two leaders and their commitment to strengthening India-U.S. ties.
As India and the United States continue to deepen their strategic partnership, the Modi-Trump meeting reaffirmed their shared commitment to global security, economic growth, and diplomatic collaboration. The discussions set the stage for future engagements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
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