New Delhi. In what is being viewed as a significant development in Indo-US relations under the new dispensation in White House, the visit to Washington by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February is indeed a major event.
US President Donald Trump announced Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US in February. They discussed immigration, trade relations, and regional security during a productive phone call. Both leaders emphasised strengthening the US-India partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad collaboration.
Trump’s last foreign trip as president was to India during his first term and the two enjoy a good friendly relationship. They addressed thousands of people at two different rallies in Houston in September 2019 and in Ahmedabad in February 2020 at the biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad named after the Modi.
With the large diaspora in the IS it is hoped that the spirit of “Howdy Modi” at Houston would be carried forward by Washington.
Prime Minister Modi was among the top three world leaders to speak with US President Trump after his stunning electoral victory in November 2024.
Trump pressed Prime Minister Modi for ‘fair’ trading ties in a call January 27, 2025, the White House said, as Trump continues to push his hardline trade agenda with world leaders.
Moreover, Trump said that he discussed “immigration” with PM Modi. Trump, in a “productive” phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sought a move towards a “fair” bilateral trading relationship and deeper India-US cooperation, according to the White House.
“Today, President Donald J Trump held a productive call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The two leaders discussed expanding and deepening cooperation,” the readout said.
They also discussed a range of regional issues, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.
“The President emphasised the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship,” the White House said.
“The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations,” according to the readout.
Both Modi and Trump highlighted their commitment to strengthening the “US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership,” with India set to host the Quad Leaders for the first time later this year.
What is of one of the major concerns to India regarding the Trump administration is its stance on immigration and tariffs.
Trump has previously discussed the possibility of imposing “100 percent tariffs” on the BRICS bloc, which includes India.
At a recent briefing by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, he had mentioned India’s ongoing discussions with the US on trade and immigration matters, expressing hope that both sides would be able to resolve any issues.
With the announcement of Modi’s visit to US in February, there could be some optimism that the various issues that have cause of concern in Indo-US relations would be dealt with by the leadership of the two nations.
– The writer is a senior journalist and media consultant. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda.
