PM Modi’s US Visit: Key Issues on Agenda – Trade, Defence, and Immigration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Washington, D.C., where he is staying at the Blair House, a historic residence for visiting dignitaries. His itinerary for Thursday, February 13, 2025, begins with a series of bilateral meetings, although the specifics of these discussions remain undisclosed.

Later in the day, PM Modi will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House, where both leaders will engage in delegation-level talks covering a broad range of issues affecting both nations.

Key Areas of Discussion in Modi-Trump Meeting

1. Trade, Tariffs, and Economic Cooperation

One of the most crucial aspects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit will be discussions on trade and tariffs between India and the US. According to a news agency, this topic is expected to dominate the discussions as both nations seek to resolve long-standing trade disputes and lower import tariffs.

🔹 The United States is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $118 billion in 2023-24, making economic cooperation a top priority.
🔹 India recently reduced tariffs on high-end motorcycles and electric batteries, which could help ease tensions on trade-related issues.

H-1B Visa Reform:

• PM Modi is likely to advocate for expanding the H-1B visa program, which is critical for Indian IT professionals working in the US.

• India remains the largest recipient of H-1B visas, and any restrictions could impact Indian tech firms and skilled workers.

2. Strengthening Defence Cooperation

India and the US have deepened their defence ties significantly over the past decade. According to reports from FinancialExpress.com, defence cooperation will be a major focus area in the Modi-Trump talks.

Key Defence Agreements & Purchases:

🔹 India is in the process of acquiring 31 US-made drones worth $4 billion and is exploring a deal for F-35 fighter jets.
🔹 Pending military procurements include Apache Helicopters for the Indian Army and the long-delayed GE engines for India’s LCA ‘Tejas’ aircraft.
🔹 Discussions are expected on technology-sharing agreements and joint military exercises.

COMCASA Agreement:

• India and the US signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, allowing the secure transfer of sensitive military communication equipment.

• This has significantly enhanced interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.

At Aero India 2025, global aerospace giants are keenly watching whether India will opt for the F-21 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin or go for the advanced F-35s.

3. India-Russia Relations and Energy Security

During discussions at the White House, PM Modi and President Trump are expected to deliberate on India’s energy security and its evolving strategic relationship with Russia.

• The US has been vocal about its concerns regarding India’s defence ties with Russia, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions and sanctions on Moscow.

• India has been diversifying its energy imports, and a stable energy supply from Russia and the Middle East remains a strategic priority for New Delhi.

4. China’s Growing Influence & Indo-Pacific Security

A central focus of the Modi-Trump discussions will be regional security, particularly concerning China’s expanding influence in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

🔹 Both India and the US are keen on countering China’s dominance in the region.
🔹 The Quad alliance (India, the US, Japan, and Australia) remains a key strategy to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
🔹 The South China Sea and China’s aggressive military presence will also feature in the discussions.

India is set to host the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi later this year, and President Trump is expected to visit India again for the event.

5. Immigration and Deportation – A Sensitive Issue

PM Modi’s visit comes amid growing controversy over the deportation of Indian immigrants from the US.

🔹 Recently, 104 Indian immigrants were deported, sparking public outcry in India.
🔹 Reports indicate another 487 Indian nationals are set to be deported soon.

India has expressed its willingness to accept its citizens but has criticized the US for the harsh manner in which deportations are being carried out.

This politically sensitive issue is expected to feature prominently in PM Modi’s discussions with President Trump.

India-US Global Strategic Partnership

PM Modi has consistently emphasized the importance of India’s strategic ties with the US on the global stage.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated:

"India and the United States share a deep and growing global strategic partnership. Our shared values and interests bind us together. I look forward to further enhancing our collaboration across a wide range of sectors, from trade to defence and beyond."

This highlights India’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the United States.

Conclusion: Strengthening India-US Relations

The invitation extended to PM Modi so soon after the start of the new US administration underscores the significance of India-US relations.

• The joint statement expected from PM Modi and President Trump will highlight key areas of cooperation and reinforce the commitment to a stronger India-US partnership.

• As bilateral trade, defence deals, and immigration policies evolve, this visit is expected to set the course for future collaborations.