On February 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump convened at the Oval Office, marking a significant moment in India-US relations. The two leaders engaged in discussions covering a wide array of topics, including trade, military cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts. Here are the ten major announcements that emerged from their bilateral meeting:
26/11 Accused’s Extradition:
President Trump confirmed the US administration’s approval for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. “We are handing him over to India where he will face the law and be brought to justice,” Trump stated, emphasizing the commitment to combat terrorism.
Joint Efforts Against Radical Islamic Terrorism:
Both leaders acknowledged the shared threat of radical Islamic terrorism. Trump emphasized that the US and India would work together more closely than ever to confront this global menace, reiterating the importance of the extradition of Rana in this context.
Doubling Bilateral Trade by 2030:Â
In a bold economic initiative, both leaders agreed to aim for a substantial increase in bilateral trade, targeting $500 billion by 2030. Modi likened this ambition to Trump’s “Make America Great Again,” coining the phrase “Make India Great Again” (MIGA). He expressed optimism about concluding a mutually beneficial trade agreement soon.
F-35 Jets:Â
The US announced plans to provide India with F-35 stealth fighter jets, a significant enhancement to India’s military capabilities. Trump highlighted that military sales to India would increase by billions of dollars, paving the way for this advanced technology.
Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance:
PM Modi revealed the establishment of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance, aimed at fostering collaboration in defense technology. He noted that this initiative would shape a better world and enhance the defense cooperation framework over the next decade.
IMEC Corridor:Â
The leaders agreed to collaborate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a monumental trade route connecting India to Israel, Italy, and the US. Trump described it as “one of the greatest trade routes in all of history,” highlighting its potential to enhance connectivity and trade.
US Nuclear Technology:
President Trump announced that India is reforming its laws to facilitate the entry of US nuclear technology into its market. This move is expected to provide safe and affordable electricity to millions of Indians while generating significant revenue for the US civilian nuclear industry.
Leading Supplier of Oil and Gas:Â
In a pivotal energy agreement, Trump stated that the US would restore its position as a leading supplier of oil and gas to India. This development is anticipated to strengthen energy ties between the two nations.
Increased Military Sales:
In a clear signal of deepening defense ties, Trump reiterated that the US would significantly boost military sales to India, starting this year. This commitment underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region:Â
Modi stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the role of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) in achieving these goals. He announced that India would host the upcoming QUAD summit, aiming to extend cooperation with partner countries in new areas.
The meeting between Modi and Trump marks a pivotal moment in the India-US partnership, with both leaders expressing a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors. As they set ambitious goals for trade, defense, and counter-terrorism, the world watches closely to see how these initiatives will unfold in the coming years.
