The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump on the significant outcomes of their first meeting in President Trump’s second term.
During Prime Minister Modi’s whirlwind visit, both leaders reaffirmed the “enduring strategic and economic partnership between the United States and India,” focusing on defense, trade, energy, counterterrorism, and strengthening people-to-people ties. USISPF in a statement emphasized that Modi’s invitation to the White House – making him the fourth world leader to visit since Trump’s re-election – reflects the growing importance of the US-India relationship.
A key highlight of the summit was the commitment to negotiating the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025, alongside the launch of “Mission 500,” an ambitious initiative to boost US-India trade to $500 billion by 2030. The agreement will cover both goods and services, signaling a shift toward a more balanced and predictable trade relationship.
USISPF noted that both nations are taking steps to reduce trade barriers, with India lowering tariffs on bourbon, motorcycles, ICT products, and metals while increasing imports of US agricultural goods such as alfalfa hay and duck meat. Similarly, the US has facilitated India’s mango and pomegranate exports, demonstrating mutual commitment to trade concessions.
Another major development was President Trump’s signing of the Presidential Memorandum on “Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs,” initiating the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan.” This directive sets a framework for addressing trade imbalances caused by unfair practices, including high tariffs and non-tariff barriers, though it does not impose immediate tariff changes.
According to USISPF, on defense and security, both leaders underscored the importance of military collaboration. President Trump highlighted increased US arms sales to India, with a long-term vision of strengthening India’s defense capabilities. The US will supply India with F-35 fighter jets, C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apaches, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones.
USISPF also praised other key initiatives outlined in the joint statement, including collaborations in Emerging Technologies and Supply Chain Resilience, Energy Security, Counterterrorism, and deepening people-to-people ties.
Looking ahead to 2025, USISPF expressed optimism about the future of US-India relations, describing them as “bright, marked by deepening strategic ties and shared aspirations for global stability and prosperity.”
Related posts:
US-India Experts and Community Leaders Welcome PM Modi’s U.S. Visit, Highlight Key Strategic Issues
Prime Minister Modi Highlights Strengthened India-US Ties in White House Address
Vikram Misri Highlights Trade and Investment as Key Focus of Modi-Trump Talks at White House on February 13th
Jack Williams of ExxonMobil Joins USISPF Board to Strengthen U.S.-India Energy Ties
