Modi’s visit to Washington impacted India-US relations

Source: The post India’s Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean has been created, based on the article “Express View on Modi and Trump’s meeting: A promising future” published in “Indian Express” on 15th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting

Context: The article discusses India-US relations after Modi’s visit to Washington. It covers trade, immigration, and defense cooperation. Both leaders aim to resolve differences and strengthen ties. India will repatriate illegal immigrants. The US wants better market access. Defense and technology partnerships will expand.

How are India and the US strengthening their strategic partnership?

1. Modi and Trump aimed to reduce differences and expand cooperation.
2. A new framework, COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), was introduced to enhance military, trade, and technology partnerships.
3. The summit marked a commitment to a “result-driven agenda”, which India needs to implement effectively.
4. Modi’s visit set the stage for deeper ties before Trump’s expected visit to India later in the year.

What are the key issues in trade and immigration?

1. Trump emphasized reducing the US trade deficit, which had shifted in India’s favor.
2. He demanded better market access for US goods and criticized India’s tariffs.
3. Reciprocal tariffs were expected by spring, giving India a chance to negotiate a fair trade arrangement.
4. Both countries set an ambitious target of $500 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030.
5. On illegal immigration, India agreed to repatriate verified illegal immigrants from the US.
6. Both nations planned to combat human trafficking by targeting criminal networks.
7. The US acknowledged the importance of legal and sustainable mobility for skilled Indian professionals, students, and businesspeople.

In which sectors are India and the US increasing cooperation?

1. Energy: India, a major hydrocarbon importer, aimed to benefit from US energy exports.
2. Nuclear energy: Both countries agreed to expand cooperation, as the sector was experiencing a revival.
3. Defense: India planned to increase US arms imports, and Trump agreed to review restrictions on defense technology transfers.
4. Technology: Both leaders committed to expanding cooperation in emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence.
5. Regional security: They pledged to enhance engagement in the Indo-Pacific and broaden their focus on the Middle East.

What is the broader impact of the Modi-Trump partnership?

1. Modi’s “India First” and Trump’s “America First” policies found common ground.
2. Both leaders emphasized self-interest and deal-making in international relations.
3. Their partnership set India and the US on a promising path for economic and strategic collaboration.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how Modi’s visit to Washington impacted India-US relations in terms of trade, immigration, and defense cooperation.