As US President Donald Trump begins his second term, all eyes are on his anticipated meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Scheduled to potentially take place in February 2025, the meeting is expected to focus on a wide range of issues crucial to the evolving India-US partnership. Key topics on the agenda include trade tariffs, H1B visa policies, energy cooperation, defense collaboration, and global security.
The location of the meeting remains uncertain, with possibilities including Washington, D.C., and France, which is hosting the AI Action Summit next month. Modi and Trump may connect earlier than planned at this summit, where India is co-chairing alongside France.
Trade at the Forefront
One of the most contentious topics likely to dominate discussions is the bilateral trade relationship. President Trump has previously signaled his intent to impose steep tariffs on countries in the BRICS bloc, including India, if they shift away from the US dollar in trade transactions. Such a move could strain the economic ties between the two nations, which have seen steady growth in recent years.
Both leaders are expected to discuss avenues to resolve these challenges while ensuring mutually beneficial economic policies. Modi’s visit to the US, if confirmed, would mark a pivotal moment to address these concerns directly with Trump’s administration.
Strengthening Defense and Strategic Ties
India and the United States have steadily expanded their defense and strategic cooperation, particularly through the Quad, a partnership that also includes Japan and Australia. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., where they reiterated their commitment to bolstering collaboration in critical areas such as defense technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.
The Quad summit, which India will host later this year, adds another layer of significance to this evolving partnership. The timing of Modi’s US visit could depend on scheduling for this major diplomatic event, underlining the importance of coordination between the two countries.
Building on Past Success
The Trump-Modi relationship has a history of significant engagements, from the 2019 “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston, Texas, which drew a crowd of 50,000, to Trump’s 2020 visit to India for the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad. These events underscored the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in US politics and the personal rapport between the two leaders.
During Trump’s first term, the two countries worked together on issues ranging from trade to defense, setting a foundation that both leaders are eager to build upon. Jaishankar’s recent statements reflect optimism about the future of India-US relations, with a focus on enhancing ties in defense, emerging technologies, and global security.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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