Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the White House next week at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported, citing a White House official. The visit follows a recent phone call between the two leaders on January 27, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the US-India strategic partnership and advancing cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Quad framework.
During the conversation, Trump emphasized the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and ensuring fair bilateral trade relations. The two leaders also discussed regional security issues concerning the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.
PM Modi’s upcoming visit highlights the deepening ties between Washington and New Delhi. India remains a key US ally in countering China’s influence in the region and is eager to expand trade relations while facilitating skilled worker visas for its citizens. Notably, bilateral trade between the two nations surpassed USD 118 billion in 2023-24, with India maintaining a USD 32 billion trade surplus.
PM Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his re-election, reinforcing the close ties between the two leaders. Their camaraderie has significantly strengthened India-US relations, leading to cooperation on various global issues.
The visit also coincides with a recent US deportation flight carrying migrants to India, marking the farthest destination for such operations under the Trump administration. Meanwhile, India aims to avoid potential tariffs that Trump has previously threatened over what he termed as high Indian duties on US products.
04th Feb 2025
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