Modi set to visit White House next week on invitation from Trump
The key feature of the Indo-Pacific strategy is to build the economic, defence and military muscle of India so that the South Asian country could effectively act as a counterbalance to China. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House next week, a senior official confirmed on Monday. The visit will focus on trade, defence cooperation, and immigration.
Modi is set to arrive in Washington DC on February 12 after concluding a visit to France. He will stay in the US capital until February 14, during which he is also expected to engage with corporate leaders and the Indian-American community.
Trump and Modi last spoke on January 27, with the US president reportedly stressing the importance of India purchasing more American-made security equipment and ensuring a balanced trade relationship.
India, a key US partner in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, is keen to expand trade ties and secure easier access for skilled Indian workers in the US. The country also seeks to avoid potential tariffs that Trump has previously threatened, citing India's high import duties on American products.
The US is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $118 billion in 2023/24. India posted a $32 billion trade surplus, a key point of contention for the Trump administration, which has pledged to reduce trade imbalances.
Officials familiar with the discussions suggest that Trump wants a more substantial commitment from India on trade reforms, including higher energy imports and amendments to its nuclear liability legislation to facilitate greater commercial cooperation.
Trump has also linked immigration to bilateral ties, urging Modi to address the return of Indian migrants deported from the US. A US military plane departed for India earlier this week carrying deported migrants, underscoring Washington’s focus on the issue.
On the strategic front, both countries are expected to reaffirm commitments under the Quad alliance, with increased focus on military interoperability and technology sharing. Reports suggest Washington is willing to review export control regulations linked to Indian defence acquisitions.
The visit comes as the US administration faces delays in appointing key personnel for India-related roles in the State Department and Pentagon. Trump has not announced a US ambassador to India, while major diplomatic posts remain vacant.
Despite these challenges, officials see the visit as an opportunity for Modi and Trump to reinforce personal ties, set strategic priorities, and guide their administrations on future cooperation. Trump is also expected to visit India later this year to attend the Quad leaders’ summit.