Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump on February 13 in Washington DC. Sources close to the development confirmed the meeting. During the visit, President Trump is expected to host a dinner for PM Modi.
Earlier, President Trump informed reporters about PM Modi’s potential visit to the White House in February. This followed their first phone call after Trump assumed office.
PM Modi will arrive in Washington DC on February 12 evening. He will conclude his visit to France before heading to the US. His stay in Washington will extend until February 14. During this time, he will engage with American business leaders and the Indian community.
The White House revealed that President Trump emphasized increasing India’s purchase of US-made security equipment. He also stressed the need for a balanced trade relationship. This discussion gains significance after Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
India has shown willingness to address trade concerns. Recently, the Indian government reduced customs duties on specific items benefiting US companies. Additionally, India plans to amend nuclear liability laws, opening doors for greater nuclear cooperation with the US.
President Trump also raised the issue of illegal immigration during his call with PM Modi. India has committed to repatriating its citizens who entered the US illegally. However, the scale of this issue remains unclear, and managing its political implications is sensitive.
On the strategic front, both nations aim to enhance technology cooperation. The US seeks greater military interoperability with India. It has also signaled flexibility in export control regulations based on India’s defense acquisitions.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently participated in a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting. The Trump-Modi call reaffirmed the importance of the Quad alliance. President Trump is expected to visit India later this year for the Quad leaders’ summit.
The US National Security Council is overseeing the visit. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Senior Director Ricky Gill are leading the preparations. However, the US administration faces staffing gaps in key positions related to India.
The visit’s primary focus will be to re-establish the personal rapport between Trump and Modi. It will also outline priorities for the bilateral relationship and guide both nations in managing differences while building convergences.
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