Trump Strengthened and Revitalized India-U.S. Relations: Prime Minister Modi
Washington: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that U.S. President Donald Trump has nurtured and revitalized India-U.S. relations under his leadership. He said, “The enthusiasm with which we worked together during his first term remains unchanged. I still feel the same energy and commitment. Our discussions today centered around the achievements of his first term, the deep mutual trust we have built, and our resolve to set and achieve new goals. We believe that the partnership between India and the United States can help shape a better world.”
These remarks were made during the India-U.S. joint press conference in Washington, D.C. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) in New Delhi released Prime Minister Modi’s statement this morning. Modi expressed gratitude to President Trump for his warm welcome and hospitality, stating that Trump’s leadership has strengthened and energized India-U.S. ties.
Referring to Trump’s famous slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), Modi drew a parallel with India’s vision for 2047, calling it “Make India Great Again” (MIGA). He remarked, “When America and India work together—MAGA plus MIGA—it creates a ‘MEGA’ partnership for prosperity. This ‘MEGA’ spirit gives our shared goals a new scale and scope.”
Doubling Bilateral Trade & Strengthening Economic Ties
The two leaders set a goal of doubling bilateral trade to over $500 billion by 2030. Modi emphasized that their teams would work towards finalizing a mutually beneficial trade agreement soon. India aims to enhance its energy security by increasing oil and gas trade with the U.S., along with greater investments in energy infrastructure. The leaders also discussed cooperation in Small Modular Reactors within the nuclear energy sector.
Defense and Strategic Cooperation
The United States plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s defense preparedness. Modi highlighted the ongoing collaboration in joint development, joint production, and technology transfer in defense. He announced the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance and the development of a Defense Cooperation Framework for the next decade, which will focus on interoperability, logistics, repair, and maintenance.
Technology and Space Collaboration
Modi emphasized that the 21st century is driven by technology and that close cooperation between democracies can empower humanity. India and the U.S. will collaborate in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, and other advanced technologies. The two nations have agreed on TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology), which will focus on building strong supply chains for critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals.
India and the U.S. will also launch a Lithium and Rare Earth Processing Initiative to strengthen strategic mineral recovery. In space cooperation, Modi highlighted the NISAR satellite, developed jointly by ISRO and NASA, which will soon be launched aboard an Indian rocket.
Commitment to Indo-Pacific Stability & Counterterrorism
Modi reaffirmed that the India-U.S. partnership strengthens democracy and global stability. Both nations will work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, with the Quad alliance playing a key role. At the upcoming Quad Summit in India, leaders will explore new areas of cooperation.
On counterterrorism, Modi reiterated that India and the U.S. stand firmly together. He welcomed Trump’s decision to extradite the 2008 Mumbai attack perpetrator to India, allowing Indian courts to take necessary legal action.
People-to-People Ties & Higher Education Collaboration
The Indian community in the U.S. serves as a strong bridge between the two nations. To deepen these ties, Modi announced that India will soon open new consulates in Los Angeles and Boston. He also invited U.S. universities to establish offshore campuses in India, fostering greater educational collaboration.
Invitation to Trump for a Visit to India
Concluding his remarks, Modi expressed appreciation for Trump’s friendship and unwavering commitment to India. He recalled Trump’s 2020 visit to India and extended a formal invitation for another visit, saying, “The 1.4 billion people of India eagerly await your return.”