In a pivotal meeting at the White House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed a range of issues that will shape the future of Indo-US relations, covering defence, trade, technology, and energy sectors. The high-level talks, which followed PM Modi’s visit to France, came just hours after President Trump’s announcement of new reciprocal tariffs affecting all US trading partners, including India.
Key highlights from the Modi-Trump talks:
Defence: strengthening military ties
A significant announcement from the meeting was the creation of a new 10-year framework for US-India defence cooperation. This framework will expand US platforms within the Indian defence services, including new deals for Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker armoured vehicles. Additionally, the US will deliver six more P8I maritime surveillance aircraft to India.
Another major development includes a review of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), aimed at easing technology transfers and spare part supplies between the two nations. Both countries also initiated talks for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement, which will streamline mutual defence purchases. A major breakthrough came with the US’s announcement of policy reviews for releasing fifth-generation fighter jets and underwater warfare systems to India.
The two nations also launched the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), focusing on collaboration in underwater domain awareness technologies. India will be the first country to co-develop these sensitive technologies with the US.
Trade: ‘Mission 500’ and bilateral trade expansion
On the economic front, both leaders set an ambitious goal of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 under the initiative “Mission 500”. Key trade agreements are set to be concluded by 2025, addressing issues like the controversial reciprocal tariffs. The discussion also highlighted Indian investments in the US worth over $7.3 billion, which have supported thousands of American jobs.
However, trade talks took place against the backdrop of President Trump’s 25% tariff on global steel and aluminium imports, which could have significant implications for Indian exports.
Technology: Advancing strategic partnerships
PM Modi and President Trump also unveiled the TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative, a collaboration designed to accelerate partnerships in critical and emerging technologies. A roadmap for US-India AI collaboration is expected by the end of the year, along with plans for next-generation data centres and AI processing collaborations.
Moreover, both countries are working on expanding Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing in the US, especially for essential medicines, and launching initiatives to recover rare earth minerals to support high-tech industries.
Energy: Strengthening strategic ties
The India-US Energy Security Partnership was reaffirmed, with commitments to support India’s full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA) and to advance nuclear energy production through the India-US 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement. Plans for collaboration on small modular reactors are also in the pipeline, aiming to boost nuclear energy generation in India.
Counterterrorism and multilateral cooperation
The two leaders also discussed counterterrorism efforts, with both condemning Pakistan’s inaction against terrorist groups. A significant announcement came with the approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key convict in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, to India. Furthermore, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Quad alliance (India, US, Japan, Australia) and laid the groundwork for the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
The meeting also included discussions on new initiatives for 2025 through the I2U2 Group and the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, which will focus on economic and security cooperation.
A new chapter in India-US relations
With an array of initiatives spanning defence, trade, technology, and energy, the meeting between PM Modi and President Trump is set to deepen bilateral ties and pave the way for greater cooperation in the years to come.