Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the US for India on Friday after a significant visit to the United States, where he engaged in a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including trade, technology, energy, and enhancing people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
Bilateral Meeting with Trump:Â
Modi’s visit marked his first official meeting with Trump since the latter’s inauguration for a second term. The leaders convened to discuss strategic partnerships in critical areas such as defense, energy, and technology, aiming to elevate the India-US relationship to new heights.
Strategic Ties and Military Cooperation:Â
Following their discussions, Trump announced plans to facilitate the sale of F-35 fighter jets to India, a move that signifies a substantial increase in military cooperation and defense supplies between the two countries.
PM Modi’s Reflections on the Meeting:Â
In a post on social media platform X, Modi described the meeting as “excellent” and expressed optimism that their talks would significantly enhance the India-US friendship. He drew a parallel between Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan and India’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat,” suggesting that together, the two nations are forging a “MEGA partnership for prosperity.”
Foreign Secretary’s Remarks:Â
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri characterized Modi’s visit as “substantive and productive,” emphasizing the priority both leaders place on the India-US relationship. He noted that the timing of the visit, occurring shortly after Trump’s inauguration, underscores the importance of this bilateral engagement.
Meetings with Key Officials:Â
During his time in the US, Modi also met with influential American officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. These interactions were aimed at further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Engagement with Business Leaders:Â
PM Modi took the opportunity to connect with prominent business figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. These discussions focused on fostering business ties and exploring investment opportunities.
Prior Engagements in France:
Before his US visit, Modi spent two days in France, where he co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit, held in Paris, was a platform for discussing advancements in AI and its implications for global economies.
Bilateral Talks with Macron:Â
PM Modi and the French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties, reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region and on global platforms. The leaders also inaugurated India’s new consulate in Marseille, further enhancing diplomatic relations.
Meeting with US Vice President:Â
While in France, Modi met with US Vice President J D Vance and his Indian-origin wife, Usha, along with their children. This meeting marked Modi’s first interaction with the new Trump administration’s top leadership.
————————
Prime Minister Modi’s recent visits to France and the United States reflect a concerted effort to bolster international partnerships and enhance India’s global standing. The discussions with President Trump and other key officials signal a commitment to deepening strategic ties, particularly in defense and technology.
As both nations look to the future, the emphasis on collaboration and mutual growth is expected to pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous relationship.
