iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump for the substantive outcomes achieved during their first meeting after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The USISPF emphasized that the meeting reinforced the strength of the partnership between the two nations.
In a statement, the USISPF noted, “The meeting reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-India partnership, grounded in shared democratic values, deepening economic collaboration, and a commitment to regional and global security in securing a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
As the U.S.-India relationship enters its 25th year in the new century, the outlook remains optimistic, marked by growing strategic ties and shared aspirations for global stability and prosperity, the statement continued.
The USISPF also pointed out that Prime Minister Modi was the fourth world leader President Trump met within his first month in office, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship.
Modi’s two-day visit to the U.S., at Trump’s invitation, was brief but productive, yielding tangible outcomes. The leaders reaffirmed the enduring strategic and economic partnership between the U.S. and India, covering areas such as defense, trade, energy, counterterrorism, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
A key outcome highlighted by USISPF was the commitment by both nations to negotiate the first tranche of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025. Additionally, the leaders announced “Mission 500,” an ambitious initiative aimed at increasing US-India bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.
“The agreement will adopt a broad-based approach, including both goods and services, marking a shift toward a more balanced trade partnership. The US and India will focus on reducing trade barriers to enhance predictability for businesses,” the USISPF explained. The focus will be on reducing trade barriers, improving predictability for businesses, and fostering a rules-based framework under the COMPACT initiative to promote transparency and stability.
The USISPF also welcomed the leaders’ recognition of India’s tariff reductions on products like bourbon, motorcycles, ICT items, and metals, along with increased US agricultural exports such as alfalfa hay and duck meat. India’s acknowledgment of U.S. efforts to facilitate mango and pomegranate exports was also seen as a positive step toward mutual concessions.
Defense collaboration was another significant focus. Both leaders introduced the “U.S.-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnerships and Cooperation in Advanced Technologies), aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and driving technological innovation.
U.S. President Trump also announced plans to increase military sales to India, which include F-35 fighter jets, C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apaches, as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones.
Discussions also covered new procurement and co-production agreements for Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, along with the acquisition of six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
In addition, PM Modi and President Trump reiterated their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through the Quad, I2U2, and IMEC, focusing on building resilient supply chains for strategic minerals. The launch of a new Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative aims to enhance the recovery and processing of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
Energy security also emerged as a key pillar of the strengthened partnership, with the USISPF anticipating progress on the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement. This includes plans to develop advanced small modular reactors in India, which will support technology transfer and localization efforts.
One of the most significant outcomes was the U.S. approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The USISPF hailed this as a major victory in the fight against terrorism, underscoring the joint commitment to counterterrorism cooperation.
Furthermore, the two leaders committed to enhancing people-to-people ties through educational exchanges, promoting tourism, and addressing issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking across borders.
Looking ahead, the USISPF noted that 2025 will be a landmark year for U.S.-India relations, with India set to host the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit. PM Modi also extended an invitation to President Trump to visit India. Both leaders expressed confidence in finding mutually beneficial solutions to support long-term economic growth and deepen the strategic partnership.
PM Modi’s visit to the White House on Thursday, where he was warmly welcomed by President Trump with a hug, underscored the close personal and diplomatic ties between the two leaders. Modi’s visit within three weeks of Trump’s inauguration highlights the importance of this bilateral relationship in the early days of the new U.S. administration.
