PM Modi to Visit US in February, Talks with Trump on Key Issues
PM Modi and President Trump discuss trade, defense, and immigration ahead of Modi's February visit to the US, aiming to deepen India-US bilateral ties.
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US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation on Monday, discussing key areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, security, and immigration. This marks the first direct communication between the two leaders since President Trump commenced his second term on January 20.
The White House released a statement emphasizing the "productive" nature of the dialogue, with discussions spanning Indo-Pacific security, developments in the Middle East, and European stability. President Trump highlighted the significance of enhancing India-US relations and announced that Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit the United States in February.
"I spoke with Prime Minister Modi this morning. He will be visiting the White House next month," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "We share a strong relationship with India and are working on multiple fronts to strengthen it further."
During the call, President Trump underscored the importance of advancing trade relations and increasing India's procurement of American defense equipment. The United States remains India's largest trading partner, with two-way trade exceeding $118 billion in the 2023/24 fiscal year. India recorded a $32 billion trade surplus during this period.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the Quad alliance, comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, as a key pillar for ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region. India is scheduled to host a Quad summit later this year.
Prime Minister Modi described the interaction as a reaffirmation of a trusted partnership. In a social media post, he referred to President Trump as a "dear friend" and reiterated their shared commitment to fostering global peace, prosperity, and security.
India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement noting discussions on defense, technology, energy, and investment. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular communication and finalize a mutually convenient date for their meeting.
Immigration emerged as a focal point of the conversation, with President Trump stressing the need for India to address irregular migration. The US administration has identified approximately 18,000 Indian nationals residing in the country without legal status.
"Prime Minister Modi assured me that he will do what is right regarding the return of Indian immigrants who are in the US illegally," Trump stated.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to address concerns related to irregular migration. President Trump has reiterated his administration's commitment to curbing illegal immigration while maintaining pathways for skilled workers.
India remains a major contributor to the US skilled workforce, particularly in the technology sector. Indian professionals account for a significant share of H-1B visa recipients, underscoring the importance of legal migration in the bilateral relationship.
While both leaders have emphasized the importance of collaboration, trade tensions have persisted. During his re-election campaign, President Trump criticized India's trade practices and threatened tariffs on BRICS nations, including India, unless they adhered to US demands regarding currency policies.
