Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United States on February 12-13, 2025, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, marking a key moment in the India-US Global Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to an official statement. The visit is expected to set an ambitious agenda for further collaboration across multiple sectors.
This will be PM Modi’s first meeting with President Trump following his re-election for a second term. Previously, Modi visited the US in June 2017, while Trump made a state visit to India in February 2020. The two leaders have maintained regular communication, speaking over the phone twice since November 2024.
Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement
As part of early engagement with the new Trump administration, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented PM Modi at Trump’s inauguration. During his visit, Jaishankar also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attended the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.
The Indo-Pacific region remains a key focus in US foreign policy. Under Trump’s first term, the Quadrilateral Dialogue (QUAD) was elevated to a ministerial-level dialogue, while under Biden, it reached the Leaders’ Summit level.
India-US Defence Cooperation
The India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, signed in May 2023, continues to guide bilateral defence engagements. India has contracted over $20 billion worth of US-origin defence equipment since 2008, including platforms like C-130J, C-17, Apache, Chinook, MH-60R helicopters, and P-8I aircraft.
India and the US have maintained multifaceted defence ties, including bilateral military exercises, defence procurement, and regular strategic dialogues. The foundation of these relations is the New Framework for India-US Defence Cooperation, which was renewed for ten years in 2015.
Cultural and Educational Cooperation
Beyond defence and diplomacy, cultural cooperation between the two nations has seen significant progress. In July 2024, India and the US signed the first-ever ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities. Since 2016, the US has returned 578 stolen antiquities to India.
The US remains a top destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, and the Indian-American community is recognized as one of the most successful and well-integrated communities in the US.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the US is expected to reinforce the long-standing and evolving partnership between the two countries, with a focus on defence, economic, strategic, and cultural cooperation. The visit comes at a crucial time when global geopolitical dynamics demand stronger bilateral ties between New Delhi and Washington.