Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Washington, DC, next week on the invitation of US President Donald Trump. The visit, scheduled for February 12-14, is expected to focus on trade, defense cooperation, and immigration policies.
Modi will arrive in the US capital after concluding his visit to France. During his stay, he will meet with corporate leaders and engage with the Indian-American community. This visit highlights the growing partnership between India and the US, especially in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening India-US Trade Relations:
The United States is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $118 billion in the 2023/24 financial year. However, India’s $32 billion trade surplus remains a point of concern for the US. Trump has consistently emphasized the need for a fairer trade balance and is expected to push for reforms in India’s trade policies.
Washington is particularly interested in India increasing its energy imports and making amendments to its nuclear liability laws to allow for better commercial cooperation. Additionally, the US wants India to reduce import duties on American products, a long-standing issue in trade discussions.
Focus on Defense and Security Cooperation:
As a key player in the Indo-Pacific strategy, India is strengthening its military ties with the US. Modi and Trump are expected to discuss increased defense cooperation, with Washington reportedly considering easing export control regulations on defense technology for India. The two countries are also likely to reaffirm their commitments under the Quad alliance, which includes Japan and Australia, to ensure regional security.
Immigration and Deportation Issues:
Immigration remains a critical topic in US-India relations. Trump has previously linked immigration policies to trade negotiations, urging India to accept deported migrants from the US. A US military plane carrying deported Indian migrants recently arrived in India, underscoring the importance Washington places on the issue.
India, on the other hand, seeks greater access for skilled Indian workers in the US, a key demand in trade discussions. The upcoming meeting between Modi and Trump is expected to address these concerns and explore possible solutions.
Political and Diplomatic Challenges:
Despite the significance of the visit, the US administration is facing delays in appointing key personnel for India-related roles. The position of US ambassador to India remains vacant, along with other diplomatic posts in the State Department and Pentagon. These gaps could impact long-term policy decisions between the two nations.
However, officials believe Modi’s visit is an opportunity to reinforce personal ties with Trump and set strategic goals for future cooperation. The meeting is expected to lay the foundation for stronger bilateral relations and open new avenues for trade, security, and diplomatic engagement.
Trump is also expected to visit India later this year to attend the Quad leaders’ summit, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
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