PM Modi’s US visit: Strategic talks with Trump amid trade, security concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet US President Donald Trump during his two-day visit to Washington from February 12-13. The high-profile meeting will focus on strengthening trade, investment, and security cooperation, particularly in light of Trump’s push for India to purchase more US-made military equipment and establish a fairer trading relationship. The visit also coincides with discussions over the recent deportation of 104 Indian immigrants from the US, a topic that has gained significant attention in India. Before arriving in Washington, Modi will visit France from February 10-12, where he will co-chair the AI Action Summit alongside President Emmanuel Macron.

Modi’s itinerary and key meetings

Sources familiar with the visit confirmed that Modi will stay at Blair House, the official guest residence for foreign dignitaries. He is scheduled to hold discussions with key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. Efforts are also underway to arrange a meeting between Modi and Elon Musk.

This visit marks Modi as one of the first world leaders to meet Trump following his second-term inauguration on January 20. Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the significance of this engagement, highlighting the bipartisan support for US-India relations.

Strengthening India-US strategic partnership

Modi’s meeting with Trump will include restricted and delegation-level discussions, covering a wide array of issues, including defense, security, and economic collaboration. Senior US officials will also meet the Indian delegation. Additionally, Modi will interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community, further strengthening people-to-people ties. A joint statement is expected at the conclusion of the visit.

“This has been one of our strongest international partnerships in recent years. The Prime Minister’s visit aligns with our consistent engagement with the new administration after President Trump’s election in November 2024,” Misri stated.

During Trump’s first term, Modi visited the US in 2017 and 2019 and was among the first global leaders to congratulate Trump on his 2024 re-election. Their strong diplomatic ties were reaffirmed when Modi called Trump again after his inauguration to discuss future cooperation.

Recent developments in India-US relations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at Trump’s inauguration, and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington on January 21 was the first foreign policy engagement of the Trump administration. In addition, regular diplomatic engagements between the defense ministers and national security advisers of both nations have reinforced strategic ties.

“There has been very close rapport between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi dating back to President Trump’s first term. There is a strong convergence of interests in multiple areas – trade, investment, technology, defense, counterterrorism, Indo-Pacific security, and people-to-people ties,” Misri added. Modi’s US visit is expected to provide new direction and momentum to this strategic partnership.

Concerns over the deportation of Indian immigrants

The visit, however, comes amid growing concerns in India over the recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US. A US military aircraft landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, carrying deported individuals, many of whom were reportedly shackled or handcuffed during the 40-hour flight. This development has sparked criticism and calls for diplomatic intervention.

India’s position on Gaza and regional stability

During the media briefing, Misri was also questioned about Trump’s recent remarks on using the US military to seize control of the Gaza Strip and develop it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”. Responding to these remarks, he reiterated India’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights, emphasizing India’s commitment to ending hostilities, ensuring humanitarian aid, and advocating for a two-state solution.