India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership, stating that it has “cherished and revitalized,” the India-U.S. relationship.
“The enthusiasm with which we worked together in his first term; I felt the same enthusiasm, the same energy, and the same commitment today,” PM Modi affirmed during a joint press briefing at the White House on February 13, 2025.
Reflecting on their past collaboration, PM Modi emphasized that the relationship was built on “deep mutual trust,” and expressed a shared determination to achieve new goals. He noted that the India-U.S. partnership could play a key role in shaping a better world.
During the briefing, PM Modi extended an invitation to President Trump to visit India on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, recalling Trump’s 2020 visit. “The people of India still remember your visit of 2020,” Modi said, expressing optimism that Trump “will come to them once again.”
President Trump is expected to travel to India later this year for the Quad Summit, which India is hosting. PM Modi highlighted that the summit would focus on expanding cooperation in emerging sectors, including economic corridors and connectivity infrastructure under the IMEC and I2U2 initiatives. He emphasized that the India-U.S. partnership is rooted in democratic values and is committed to enhancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
‘MAGA’ Meets ‘MIGA’: A Vision for Economic Growth
PM Modi acknowledged President Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan and drew a parallel with India’s own vision of rapid development under Viksit Bharat 2047.
“If I say in the language of America, developed India means ‘Make India Great Again,’ that is ‘MIGA,’” PM Modi said. He added that the collaboration between MAGA and MIGA would create a MEGA partnership for prosperity, giving new scale and scope to the shared goals of both nations.
Trade, Energy, and Defense: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
PM Modi announced that India and the U.S. have set an ambitious target of more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, with both nations working towards an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
“We will strengthen the oil and gas trade to ensure India’s energy security. Investment in energy infrastructure will also increase,” Modi stated.
He also highlighted the vital role of the U.S. in India’s defense preparedness, emphasizing that as “strategic and trusted partners,” both nations are advancing joint development, production, and technology transfers. He expressed confidence that new technological collaborations will enhance their defense capabilities.
Tech-Driven Future: AI, Semiconductors, and Strategic Innovation
Underscoring the importance of technology in the 21st century, PM Modi stressed that close cooperation in tech innovation between democracies can provide new opportunities for humanity.
“India and the United States will work together in Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies,” he said.
Both nations have agreed on Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST), with an emphasis on strengthening supply chains for critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals.
PM Modi also thanked President Trump for facilitating the extradition of a terrorist involved in the 2008 killings in India, stating that “Indian courts will now take appropriate action.”
Additionally, PM Modi announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston, recognizing the significant role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening U.S.-India relations.
President Trump: ‘A Special Bond Between Our Nations’
President Trump echoed Modi’s sentiments, emphasizing the deepening ties between the two nations.
There is “truly a special bond,” Trump said. He announced a new U.S.-India Compact for the 21st Century, calling it a “historic initiative,” to strengthen economic and strategic ties.
As part of enhanced defense cooperation, Trump confirmed that the U.S. would significantly increase military sales to India, including plans to eventually provide F-35 stealth fighters. He recalled his administration’s efforts to revitalize the Quad security partnership in 2017, reinforcing its importance for peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
“In our meeting today, the Prime Minister and I reaffirmed that strong cooperation among the United States, India, Australia and Japan and it’s crucial really to maintaining peace and prosperity tranquility, even in the Indo Pacific,” he added.
Trump also emphasized collaborative efforts to counter global terrorism, stating, “The United States and India will be working together to confront the threat of radical Islamic terrorism.”
On economic relations, Trump welcomed Modi’s recent tariff reductions for U.S. products but pointed out trade imbalances. “India imposes 30-70 per cent tariffs on many U.S. goods, sometimes 70 per cent on cars, making it nearly impossible to sell them. He pointed out that the trade deficit with India is almost $100 billion, adding that negotiations are underway to address these disparities.
The two leaders also agreed to expand energy cooperation, with the U.S. set to restore its position as a leading oil and gas supplier to India. He highlighted PM Modi’s commitment to welcoming U.S. nuclear technology into India as a significant step toward clean energy and economic growth.
“The Prime Minister and I also reached an important agreement on energy that will restore the United States as a leading supplier of oil and gas to India. India is also reforming its laws to welcome US nuclear technology, which is at the highest level, into the Indian market,” added President Trump. “This will bring safe, clean and affordable electricity to millions of Indians, and tens of millions of dollars to the US Civilian Nuclear industry in India.”
President Trump emphasized that India and the U.S. are joining forces to lead in Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology development. These are “two of the most advanced nations,” he said, underscoring the significance of the partnership.
He also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic, defense, and technological collaboration, setting the stage for a dynamic and future-focused U.S.-India relationship.
A India-US Joint Statement, announced during PM Modi’s visit, “reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement of their citizens.”
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