Inside PM Modi-Trump Meeting: Defence, Trade, Technology, and Counterterrorism Take Center Stage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump at the White House for a high-stakes discussion covering defence, trade, technology, and energy. The meeting came shortly after PM Modi’s stop in France and just hours after President Trump announced a new reciprocal tariff policy affecting all US trading partners, including India. The leaders launched COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology for the 21st Century), a major initiative designed to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors.

Defence Cooperation and Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets

One of the most critical discussions revolved around defence collaboration. The two leaders announced that a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership will be signed later this year. India plans to expand its acquisition of US military platforms, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stryker armored fighting vehicles, and six additional P8I maritime surveillance aircraft. The meeting also discussed a review of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to streamline technology transfers and spare part supplies.

A major highlight was the acceleration of defence technology collaboration in space, air defence, missile systems, maritime security, and undersea warfare. The US is now reviewing policies regarding the release of fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea warfare systems to India, a move that could significantly boost India's military capabilities.

India and the US launched the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) to scale up underwater domain awareness (UDA) technologies, making India the first country to co-develop sensitive UDA technologies with the US. Other joint developments include Sea Picket Autonomous Surveillance Systems, Wave Glider Unmanned Surface Vehicles, and Large Diameter Autonomous Undersea Vehicles.

Trade and 'Mission 500'

Bilateral trade was another major focus, with both leaders setting a new goal—"Mission 500"—to boost trade between India and the US to $500 billion by 2030. A bilateral trade agreement (BTA) is expected by autumn 2025, aiming to resolve trade barriers and address reciprocal tariffs.

India has invested over $7.3 billion in the US, supporting 3,000 high-quality jobs. However, these discussions occurred against the backdrop of President Trump's new 25% tariff on global steel and aluminum imports, which could impact Indian exports. The two sides are negotiating ways to mitigate these challenges while deepening economic cooperation.

Technology and Innovation Partnerships

The leaders announced the TRUST ("Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology") Initiative to facilitate collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector in emerging technologies. A US-India AI Roadmap will be finalized by the end of the year, focusing on next-generation data centers and AI-driven innovation.

India and the US are also expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing cooperation to ensure a steady supply of critical medicines. A new Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative was launched to secure and process rare earth minerals, lithium, and cobalt for high-tech industries. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and India's Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) signed an MoU to enhance research collaboration in advanced technologies.

Energy and Nuclear Collaboration

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the India-US Energy Security Partnership. President Trump expressed support for India’s full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA) and agreed to push forward the India-US 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, allowing for the deployment of US-designed nuclear reactors in India. The two nations will also collaborate on advanced small modular reactors to expand India’s nuclear energy production.

People-to-People Ties and Migration Policies

The discussion covered ways to expand joint degrees, offshore campuses, and Centres of Excellence to support Indian students and professionals in the US. The 300,000-strong Indian student community contributes over $8 billion annually to the US economy. Both leaders agreed to streamline student mobility and professional visas while addressing concerns related to illegal immigration and human trafficking.

Counterterrorism and Strategic Alliances

On security matters, India and the US strongly condemned Pakistan for failing to act against terrorist groups operating within its borders. Both countries called for accountability in the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. A major announcement came when President Trump confirmed that the US had approved the extradition of 26/11 convict Tahawwur Rana to India, a long-standing demand by the Indian government.

The Quad alliance (India, US, Japan, and Australia) was another key point of discussion, with PM Modi set to host President Trump at the next Quad Leaders’ Summit. Both nations are also working on strengthening the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 Group. The Indian Ocean Strategic Venture was introduced as a new forum for economic and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

A New Era in US-India Relations

This meeting marked a significant milestone in India-US relations. The commitments made across defence, trade, technology, energy, and counterterrorism signal deeper collaboration between the two nations. With major defence procurements, trade agreements, and technology partnerships on the horizon, India and the US are set to enter a new phase of strategic cooperation.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com