(Image source from: x.com/narendramodi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that his forthcoming journey to the United States will provide a chance to expand upon the achievements realized during his cooperative efforts with Donald Trump throughout the latter's initial term as president. This evening, he will depart for France, where he is set to co-chair a summit focused on artificial intelligence, followed by a two-day visit to the US. Reflecting on his visit to the US in 2019, when Trump was in office, Modi expressed his anticipation of reconnecting with his "friend" Trump during this upcoming visit. "While this will be our first encounter since his remarkable election win and swearing-in ceremony in January, I fondly recall our collaboration during his first term, during which we advanced a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between our nations," he remarked in a statement before his departure. PM Modi emphasized that this trip aims to strengthen the bilateral ties between India and the United States, particularly in vital areas such as technology, trade, and defense.
He further articulated, "This visit will serve as an opportunity to build on the achievements from his first term and outline a plan to further enhance and deepen our collaboration in sectors like technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chain resilience." The Prime Minister noted that both leaders would work together for the benefit of their citizens and strive to create a brighter future for the world. The importance of his visit is underscored by recent policy shifts under the Trump administration, which include the deportation of undocumented Indians and threats regarding reciprocal tariffs. Last month, Modi and Trump spoke over the phone, during which Trump emphasized the necessity for India to procure more arms and ammunition from the US, advocating for a fairer trade relationship. They also touched on the QUAD partnership and ongoing global conflicts.
In Washington DC, I look forward to meeting @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This visit will further cement India-USA friendship and boost ties in diverse sectors. I warmly recall working with President Trump during his first term and I am sure our talks will build on the ground covered…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2025
Prior to his arrival in the US, PM Modi will spend two days in France. During his time in France from February 10 to 12, he will co-chair the AI Action Summit, a major event expected to attract global leaders and technology innovators. He stated that this summit would facilitate an "exchange of views on a collaborative approach to AI technology aimed at innovation and the greater public good, in an inclusive, secure, and reliable manner." Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned that he would assess the progress of the 2047 Horizon Roadmap for the strategic partnership between India and France alongside President Emmanuel Macron. "We will also visit the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate the first Indian consulate in France, and we will tour the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, where India participates as part of a consortium with France, working to harness energy for global benefit," he noted. PM Modi expressed his intent to honor the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in both World Wars at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
