Summary
Highlights
President Trump welcomes Prime Minister Modi back to the White House, highlighting the special bond between the US and India, the world's oldest and largest democracies. He announces a new framework to strengthen economic and military ties, including increased military sales and the potential provision of F35 stealth fighters. The Quad security partnership is reaffirmed for peace in the Indo-Pacific, and joint efforts against radical Islamic terrorism are pledged.
Trump addresses the US trade deficit with India, calling for greater fairness and reciprocity. He mentions India's recent reduction of tariffs but emphasizes the need for further negotiations to address long-standing disparities, citing high tariffs on US goods like cars. An agreement on energy will establish the US as a leading supplier of oil and gas to India, and India is reforming laws to welcome US nuclear technology for clean energy.
The US and India will collaborate on artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, aiming to maintain global leadership in these fields. Trump also announces a historic trade route from India to Israel to Italy and onward to the United States, connecting partners through ports, railways, and undersea cables, signifying a major infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Modi expresses gratitude for the hospitality and praises Trump's leadership in strengthening India-US ties. He articulates India's vision for a developed nation by 2047, drawing a parallel to Trump's 'Make America Great Again' with 'Make India Great Again,' suggesting a 'Mega' partnership for prosperity when both work together.
Modi sets a target to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, with teams working on a trade agreement. He highlights focus on oil and gas trade, energy infrastructure investment, and cooperation on small modular reactors for nuclear energy. In defense, both nations are moving towards joint development, production, and technology transfer, launching an autonomous systems industry alliance and a defense cooperation framework.
Modi emphasizes technology as central to the 21st century, with India and the US collaborating on AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology. They agree on 'TRUST' (Transforming Relationships Utilizing Strategic Technology) to establish strong supply chains for critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. Cooperation in space, including the NISAR satellite, is also mentioned. Modi stresses that the partnership strengthens democratic values and will enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, with the Quad playing a crucial role.
India and the US stand united against terrorism, agreeing on the need for concrete actions against cross-border terrorism. Modi thanks Trump for the extradition of a plotter from the 2008 Mumbai attacks. To deepen people-to-people ties, India will open new consulates in Los Angeles and Boston, and invites American universities to establish offshore campuses in India.
In response to a question about trade, Trump reiterates that India has historically imposed very high tariffs, making it difficult for US businesses. He states the US will now implement a reciprocal tariff policy, where whatever India charges, the US will charge in return, emphasizing fairness after years of perceived abuse in trade relationships with multiple nations.
Modi discusses illegal immigration, stating that those who enter countries illegally have no right to be there. He confirms India's readiness to take back verified Indian citizens in the US illegally. He also highlights the issue of human trafficking, where vulnerable individuals are lured with false promises, and calls for a joint effort to dismantle the ecosystem that encourages such exploitation.
Trump discusses his recent conversations with President Putin and President Zelenskyy, expressing hope for a peace deal to end the 'horrible and bloody war.' He criticizes Europe for not carrying its weight in supporting Ukraine financially. He asserts that if he were president, the conflict would not have happened, and that Russia's primary concern has always been Ukraine joining NATO. Modi supports Trump's peace efforts, stating India sides with peace and believes solutions are found through negotiation, not on the battlefield.