In a key development in the US-India relationship, President Donald Trump of the US announced on Monday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the US in February. This statement followed a telephonic conversation between the two leaders-a first one afterTrump was sworn in on January 20 to his second term.
According to the White House, the call was described as “productive,” with discussions focusing on deepening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in strategic areas. President Trump highlighted the importance of Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, emphasising its potential to strengthen the US-India partnership further.
Discussions on Immigration and Strategic Partnerships
During their conversation, Trump and Modi also touched upon immigration issues, with the US President expressing confidence that India would take appropriate steps regarding the repatriation of illegal immigrants. Immigration reform has been a cornerstone of Trump’s administration, playing a pivotal role in his electoral success.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to advancing the US-India strategic partnership, particularly within the Indo-Pacific Quad framework. The statement also mentioned India’s plans to host Quad Leaders later this year, showcasing its growing role in regional geopolitics.
PM Modi’s Previous US Engagements
Prime Minister Modi’s last US visit occurred in September last year, where he attended the Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by then-President Joe Biden. Modi also addressed the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In addition to these engagements, external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar represented India at President Trump’s second-term inauguration in Washington D.C., highlighting the importance of the US-India bilateral relationship.
Strengthening US-India Ties
As per the White House statement, the upcoming visit underscores the strong friendship and strategic alignment between the two nations. With plans to expand cooperation in critical areas, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US is set to reinforce the growing collaboration between the world’s two largest democracies.