New Delhi, Feb 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald J. Trump reaffirmed the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, emphasizing their shared interests, mutual trust, and active citizen engagement. The two leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., for a significant meeting that marked a new era of collaboration in defense, trade, energy, and technology.
Defense Cooperation: A New Era of Strategic Ties
The U.S. and India launched the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century,” focusing on strengthening military cooperation. A ten-year framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership is set to be finalized, enabling deeper interoperability and industrial cooperation.
Both nations highlighted the integration of U.S.-origin defense items into India’s inventory, including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, and Apache helicopters. New procurements for Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles were also announced, with plans to finalize the acquisition of six more P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft.
In an effort to streamline defense trade and technology exchanges, the U.S. and India will review arms transfer regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The leaders also launched the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), encouraging collaboration between Anduril Industries and Mahindra Group on advanced technologies.
Trade and Investment: Setting Ambitious Goals
Prime Minister Modi and President Trump set an ambitious target for bilateral trade, aiming to reach $500 billion by 2030 under the “Mission 500” initiative. This goal will be pursued through improved market access, reduced tariffs, and increased integration of global supply chains.
The leaders welcomed tariff reductions on key American exports to India and expressed a mutual commitment to expanding the trade of industrial and agricultural goods. Additionally, Indian investments in the U.S. have surpassed $7.35 billion, creating thousands of high-quality jobs.
Energy Cooperation: Securing a Sustainable Future
Recognizing the importance of energy security, both leaders re-committed to expanding the U.S.-India Energy Security Partnership. They emphasized stable energy markets and the shared goal of safeguarding economic stability through strategic petroleum reserves. The U.S. expressed support for India’s membership in the International Energy Agency and further collaboration on civil nuclear technology, including the advancement of U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India.
Technology and Innovation: Advancing Collaboration in Key Sectors
The U.S.-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative was introduced to accelerate cooperation in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology. A roadmap will be developed to enhance AI infrastructure, alongside the INDUS-X defense partnership and the INDUS Innovation Bridge.
India and the U.S. also have plans for a collaborative space mission in 2025, which includes an Indian astronaut visiting the International Space Station through a NASA-ISRO partnership. The leaders also announced the joint NISAR mission for Earth observation.
Regional and Global Security: A Joint Commitment to Peace
The U.S. and India reiterated their commitment to ensuring a “free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” As part of the Quad partnership, India will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit, focusing on initiatives for disaster response and maritime security. Both leaders launched the “Indian Ocean Strategic Venture” to enhance economic connectivity and global security.
In the area of counter-terrorism, the U.S. approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India, signaling continued collaboration in bringing justice to the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
People-to-People Ties: Strengthening Mobility and Education
The two leaders highlighted the impact of the 300,000-strong Indian student community in the U.S. and emphasized their efforts to expand educational partnerships. Initiatives include increasing dual-degree programs and establishing offshore campuses of U.S. institutions in India.
They also committed to improving legal mobility for students, professionals, and business travelers while tackling illegal immigration and human trafficking networks.
A Vision for the Future: Sustaining High-Level Engagement
With a shared vision for long-term prosperity, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi affirmed their commitment to advancing the India-U.S. partnership. Their focus remains on mutual prosperity, global stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific. Through sustained engagement, they aim to contribute to a prosperous future and serve the global good.