In a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday ( Jan 27 ), US President Donald Trump emphasized the need for India to purchase more American-made security equipment and work toward a fair bilateral trading relationship.
Trump later revealed to reporters that Modi may travel to the US in February and that Trump had previously discussed immigration. Prior to this, the White House stated that the two leaders had discussions regarding ideas for a Modi attend.
The officials discussed expanding and approving assistance, as well as problems relating to safety in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe in what the White House called a “productive call.”
Earlier this year, Reuters reported that Indian and US officials are attempting to organise a gathering of the officials as soon as February.
Trump and Modi enjoyed warm relations in the US government’s first name, but during his plan for re-election, Trump called India a “very great abuser” of business and vowed to use tariffs on international imports into the US to correct imbalances.
Trump has even threatened to impose levies on the BRICS group of countries, to which India belongs.
In Monday’s call, Trump “emphasised the importance of India increasing its purchasing of American-made safety equipment and moving toward a good diplomatic buying relationship”, a White House statement said.
The US is India’s largest trading partner and two-way industry surpassed US$ 118 billion in 2023/24, with India posting a glut of US$ 32 billion.
In a social media post on Monday, Modi called Trump a “dear buddy” and said they were” committed to a mutually helpful and trusted relationship.” India is also an essential strategic partner in US efforts to combat China.
” We will work together for the security of our citizens and towards global peace, happiness, and surveillance”, Modi said.
An American statement said the leaders discussed systems, trade, investment, energy and defence and “agreed to stay in touch and join quickly at an early mutually easy date”.
Trump and Modi emphasized their commitment to the Quad grouping, which brings up the US, India, Australia, and Japan, with India scheduled to host Triple officials later this year, according to the White House.
Tanvi Madan, an India specialist at Washington’s Brookings Institution, said it appeared probable Modi may visit Washington immediately, with Trump rotating by attending the Quad mountain.
” Trade and immigration issues are clearly on the Trump administration’s plan when it comes to India”, she said.
” Its effects will depend in part on India’s reaction to Trump’s asks, but also how the broader conversation on those problems plays out in Washington”.
India may be hoping for a different US attitude toward its close ties with Russia, according to Madan, but for the time being would have to deal with US sanctions against Moscow due to the Ukraine war.