Prime Minister Modi Praises President Trump for Strengthening India-U.S. Relations
Washington, February 14 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded U.S. President Donald Trump for his visionary leadership in strengthening and revitalizing India-U.S. relations. Speaking at a joint press conference in Washington D.C., Prime Minister Modi expressed deep appreciation for President Trumpโs commitment to fostering a strong and dynamic bilateral partnership.
โThe enthusiasm, energy, and commitment with which we worked together during his first term remain unchanged. Todayโs discussions were centered on the satisfaction of our past achievements and the deep trust we share, along with a renewed commitment to achieving new milestones. We firmly believe that the partnership between India and the United States can shape a better world,โ Modi stated.
India and U.S. Forge a โMEGA Partnershipโ
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, citing President Trumpโs well-known slogan, โMake America Great Againโ (MAGA). He compared it to Indiaโs vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, which he termed as โMake India Great Againโ (MIGA).
โWhen India and America work together, โMAGAโ and โMIGAโ unite to form a โMEGA Partnership for Prosperityโ. This spirit of cooperation expands the scale and scope of our shared ambitions,โ Modi remarked.
Bilateral Trade to Surpass $500 Billion by 2030
Both leaders have set an ambitious target to more than double bilateral trade, reaching $500 billion by 2030. Key agreements discussed include:
- Expanding oil and gas trade to enhance Indiaโs energy security
- Boosting investments in energy infrastructure
- Strengthening collaboration in nuclear energy, including Small Modular Reactors
Advancing Defense Cooperation and Technology Sharing
Acknowledging Americaโs critical role in Indiaโs defense modernization, Prime Minister Modi highlighted joint efforts in defense production, technology transfer, and interoperability. The two leaders announced:
- A new Defense Cooperation Framework for the next decade
- Launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance
- Strengthening logistics, repair, and maintenance collaborations
โAs strategic and trusted partners, we are committed to joint development and technology sharing. Future cooperation in cutting-edge defense equipment will significantly enhance our military capabilities,โ Modi stated.
Strengthening Technology and Innovation Collaboration
Recognizing that the 21st century is technology-driven, India and the U.S. have agreed to expand cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, and other critical technologies. The two nations formalized their strategic vision under TRUST Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology.
Key initiatives include:
- Strengthening supply chains for critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials
- Launching an initiative for the recovery and processing of rare earth minerals, including lithium
- Enhancing collaboration in space exploration, with NASA and ISRO set to launch the NISAR satellite soon
Commitment to Regional Stability and Counterterrorism
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed Indiaโs commitment to regional peace and security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders discussed:
- Strengthening the Quad alliance for economic and security cooperation
- Expanding India-U.S. economic corridors and connectivity infrastructure
- Intensifying efforts to combat cross-border terrorism
Modi thanked President Trump for approving the extradition of a key perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, stating that Indian courts will now ensure justice is served.
Expanding People-to-People Ties
Recognizing the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora, both nations agreed to further deepen cultural and educational exchanges. Notable decisions include:
- Opening new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston
- Inviting U.S. universities to establish offshore campuses in India
Modi Extends Invitation to Trump for India Visit
As the press conference concluded, Prime Minister Modi extended an official invitation to President Trump to visit India, recalling the historic 2020 Trump visit that was warmly welcomed by millions of Indians.
