(Image source from: x.com/narendramodi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in significant talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House, focusing on key areas including defense, trade, technology, and energy. President Trump greeted PM Modi with an affectionate embrace prior to their discussions. This meeting, which followed PM Modi's brief visit to France, occurred shortly after President Trump introduced a new policy for reciprocal tariffs affecting all trading partners of the US, including India. During their meeting, PM Modi and President Trump announced the COMPACT initiative (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology for the 21st Century), aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as defense, investment, trade, energy, innovation, and multilateral collaboration.
Later this year, a new decade-long framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership will be established. Important advancements involve an increase in US military equipment utilized by Indian defense forces, including new contracts for Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker armored fighting vehicles, along with the acquisition of six additional P8I maritime surveillance aircraft. Additionally, adjustments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) will be undertaken to improve the efficiency of technology transfers and spare parts supply chains. Negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement will begin, which is anticipated to ease defense transactions between the two nations.
The collaboration on defense technology will be expedited across various domains, including space, air defense, missile systems, maritime operations, and underwater combat. The US initiated a review of its policy regarding the transfer of fifth-generation fighter jets and underwater warfare capabilities to India. India and the US formed the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) to enhance industrial cooperation in underwater domain awareness technologies. India becomes the first nation with which the US has chosen to co-develop sensitive technologies for underwater domain awareness. Conversations are in progress regarding the joint creation and manufacturing of Sea Picket Autonomous Surveillance Systems (Thayer Mahan), Wave Glider Unmanned Surface Vehicles (Boeing & Sagar Defence Engineering - with plans for 60 units in India), Low Frequency Active Towed Sonars (L3 Harris & Bharat Electronics), Multi-Static Active Sonobuoys (Ultra-Maritime & Bharat Dynamics Ltd.), Large Diameter Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (Anduril), and Triton Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicles (Ocean Aero).
President Trump often talks about MAGA.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2025
In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in American context translates into MIGA.
And together, the India-USA have a MEGA partnership for prosperity!@POTUS @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/i7WzVrxKtv
On the economic side, both leaders set an ambitious goal titled "Mission 500," aiming to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by the year 2030. Significant economic agreements include a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) planned by the fall of 2025, encompassing multiple sectors while committing to address trade obstacles, including the contentious reciprocal tariffs. Indian investments totaling $7.355 billion in the US were acknowledged, creating 3,000 high-quality jobs. The trade talks took place in the context of President Trump's implementation of a 25 percent tariff on global steel and aluminum imports, which may affect Indian exports.
India and the United States revealed the TRUST ("Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology") Initiative, aimed at fostering collaborations among government entities, educational institutions, and the private sector in vital and developing technologies. By the year's end, a US-India AI Roadmap is expected to be completed. Partnerships focusing on next-gen data centers and AI processing were also disclosed. The INDUS Innovation program, inspired by INDUS-X, will enhance cooperation between industry and academia in fields such as space, energy, and biotechnology. Plans are underway for the growth of Indian medicine manufacturing within the US, particularly for essential drugs. A Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative will focus on obtaining and processing rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt to support high-tech industries. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and India's Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to enhance research partnerships in emerging tech fields.
Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to the India-US Energy Security Partnership, which includes supporting India in its bid for full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA). Progress will continue on the India-US 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, which allows for US-designed nuclear reactors in India. The two nations will collaborate on advanced small modular reactors to increase nuclear energy production. Both leaders also pledged to broaden the scope of joint degree programs, offshore campuses, and Centres of Excellence. The Indian student community in the US, comprising 300,000 individuals, contributes over $8 billion to the economy yearly. Efforts will be made to streamline the movement of students and professionals while tackling illegal immigration and human trafficking issues. There will be a strengthening of law enforcement cooperation to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
Regarding counterterrorism, both nations criticized Pakistan for its inaction against terrorist groups, demanding accountability for the Mumbai attacks on 26/11 and the Pathankot incident. President Trump confirmed that the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a convict from the 26/11 attacks, to India has received approval. The Quad alliance, which includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia, is set for Prime Minister Modi to host President Trump at the upcoming Quad Leaders' Summit. Plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 Group will see new initiatives announced in 2025. The Indian Ocean Strategic Venture will serve as a platform for economic and security collaboration. Tech company Meta has announced a major undersea cable project spanning 50,000 kilometers.
Here are highlights from an extremely fruitful USA visit…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2025
From energy to education, trade to technology and AI to space…many issues discussed. pic.twitter.com/kJ5EDROrAb
