Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump addressed a joint press statement following their bilateral meeting at the White House. During the press conference, both leaders emphasized the strong bond between the two countries and announced several key agreements to strengthen ties in areas like energy, defence, trade, and global peace efforts.
Both expressed optimism about deepening collaboration between the world’s oldest and largest democracies, emphasizing mutual trust and a shared vision for global stability. Highlighting the outcomes of the discussions, PM Modi and US President Trump announced key agreements on energy, defense, and infrastructure development. They also addressed pressing global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, terrorism, and illegal immigration.
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in Washington, DC.
(Pics: President Donald J. Trump/X) pic.twitter.com/6XOcjYWJKu
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2025
Key highlights of meeting and press conference
Russia-Ukraine conflict
When asked about India’s role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi highlighted India’s commitment to peace. He expressed appreciation for President Trump’s peace efforts, including calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
PM Modi said, “India is not neutral; we are on the side of peace.” He reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve conflicts, adding that he had conveyed this to President Putin in the past. PM Modi welcomed Trump’s initiatives and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
Energy and trade agreements
The leaders announced plans to strengthen energy trade. President Trump stated that the US aims to become the leading supplier of oil and natural gas to India. The two countries are also paving the way for collaborations in nuclear energy, with India reforming laws to welcome advanced US nuclear technology.
On trade, PM Modi and Trump instructed their teams to work on a mutually beneficial trade deal, focusing on market access and addressing concerns related to unfair advantages from other territories. PM Modi said that the goal is to double bilateral trade by 2030.
Defence and security cooperation
President Trump announced a significant increase in military sales to India, including discussions to provide F-35 stealth fighters. He also approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to face justice in India.
PM Modi thanked Trump for this decision and reiterated the importance of joint efforts to combat terrorism. He added, “India and America have been together in the fight against terrorism. Solid action must be taken to eliminate it from across the border.”
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
Trump and PM Modi discussed the IMEC project, which aims to create a historic trade route connecting India, Israel, Italy, and the US through roads, railways, and undersea cables.
Trump described it as a groundbreaking development that will boost global trade and connectivity. PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to fostering economic corridors and trade infrastructure through multilateral initiatives.
People-to-people ties and immigration issues
PM Modi announced plans to enhance people-to-people connections by opening Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston. He invited US universities to establish offshore campuses in India.
Addressing illegal immigration, PM Modi said that India is willing to take back verified citizens living illegally in the US. However, he called for joint efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals. Modi expressed confidence that President Trump would cooperate fully in ending this system.
Strengthening democracy and QUAD cooperation
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values and Indo-Pacific stability. PM Modi said that QUAD would play a crucial role in maintaining peace and prosperity in the region, and India will host the next QUAD summit.
Personal camaraderie and vision for future
Trump reflected on his 2020 visit to India, describing it as an incredible experience, and Modi invited him to visit India again. PM Modi shared his vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” (Developed India 2047), likening it to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA).
PM Modi said, “MAGA plus MIGA (Make India Great Again) becomes a mega partnership for prosperity.” Trump humorously praised Modi’s negotiation skills, calling him a “much tougher and better negotiator.”
