Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States was a momentous occasion, reflecting the deepening strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. Over his stay, PM Modi engaged in a series of high-profile meetings and discussions with U.S. leaders, business tycoons, and the Indian diaspora, covering critical areas such as defense, trade, investment, technology, and diplomacy. The visit reaffirmed the strong relationship between India and the U.S., positioning both nations as global partners in shaping a new world order.
President Trump coined the term “Make America Great Again” or MAGA and PM Modi said that Viksit Bharat means “Make India Great Again,” or MIGA. “MIGA and MAGA together become a MEGA partnership for prosperity,” PM Modi said.
Trade discussions were a major component of PM Modi’s visit, as both leaders emphasized the need to bolster economic cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India and the US have agreed to increase their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
“Being a strategic and trusted partner, we are actively moving ahead in terms of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology.” PM Modi said.
The discussions also covered tariff reductions, ensuring smoother market access for American goods in India, and increasing investment in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and green energy.
Additionally, in a landmark decision, Donald Trump approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. This decision showcases the commitment of both countries to counterterrorism and justice for the victims of one of India's deadliest terrorist attacks.
Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman, was accused of providing logistical support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives involved in the attacks. His extradition marks a victory for India’s legal and diplomatic efforts and further cements counterterrorism cooperation between India and the U.S.
Trump also dismissed allegations of the U.S. “deep state” being involved in Bangladesh’s political crisis. He emphasized that the United States had no role in the events leading to the resignation of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Trump further stated that he would defer to PM Modi regarding matters related to Bangladesh, highlighting India’s regional influence and understanding of the situation.
Another key engagement during the visit was PM Modi’s meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his children. The founder of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of social media site X discussed with PM Modi issues he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology and innovation, the Prime Minister said.
Musk has previously expressed keen interest in expanding Tesla’s presence in the country. With India emerging as a key player in the electric vehicle and space sectors, the meeting is expected to further strengthen ties between Musk’s enterprises and the Indian market.
“I'm a fan of Modi. We are looking to come to India as soon as humanly possible. It was a fantastic meeting with the Prime Minister and I like him quite a lot. He visited our factory a few years ago. So, we have known each other for a while,” Musk said.
This interaction highlights India’s strategic focus on attracting investments in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and space technology.
PM Modi’s visit also saw overwhelming support from the Indian diaspora in the U.S., with hundreds gathering outside Blair House, chanting slogans like “Vande Mataram” and “Modi, Modi” to welcome him. People also carried flags of India and the US and posters which said “America welcomes Narendra Modi.”
In a gesture reflecting their personal camaraderie, Donald Trump gifted PM Modi a book titled ‘Our Journey Together’, featuring photographs of key events from past India-U.S. engagements. The book included images from major events such as the ‘Howdy Modi’ rally in Houston and the ‘Namaste Trump’ event in Ahmedabad. The book serves as a reminder of the milestones achieved in India-U.S. relations over the years.
PM Modi’s discussions with Trump also touched upon important issues such as trade tariffs and immigration policies affecting Indian professionals in the U.S. Given the substantial number of Indian IT professionals and students in the U.S., visa and immigration policies remain a key area of concern.
A key highlight of the visit was the announcement by the U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States would significantly boost military sales to India. “Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters.” Trump stated.
This announcement is significant for India’s defense modernization plans, aligning with New Delhi’s goal of enhancing its military capabilities amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The strengthening defense partnership also underscores India’s emergence as a critical ally for the U.S. in countering China’s growing influence in the region.
Both leaders explored ways to facilitate smoother visa processes for Indian students and skilled professionals, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement for both nations. PM Modi also reiterated India’s commitment to fostering an open and fair trade environment.
Donald Trump Praises PM Modi, Calls Him A ‘Great Leader’ And ‘Tougher Negotiator.’ He further emphasized the shared values and vision that bind the two nations together.
PM Modi, in return, acknowledged the robust foundation of India-U.S. relations and expressed optimism about the growing collaboration across various sectors.
PM Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit strengthened bilateral ties across defense, trade, technology, and counterterrorism. It highlighted his global leadership, earning praise from U.S. leaders and business figures. His engagement with the diaspora, economic negotiations, and strategic diplomacy underscored India’s growing influence. As both nations navigate geopolitical and economic shifts, this visit will shape the future of India-U.S. relations, driving shared goals in growth, technology, and security.
