New Delhi: During their recent meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump reaffirmed the strong India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, emphasizing shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. They launched a new initiative called “US-India COMPACT” to drive change in key areas such as defense, technology, and trade, focusing on tangible results within the year.
Defense Cooperation: The leaders committed to a deeper defense partnership, including signing a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership. They announced plans for new defense procurements and co-production efforts, including Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in technology transfer, space, air defense, missile systems, and cyber capabilities.
Trade and Investment: The leaders set an ambitious target for bilateral trade, aiming to reach $500 billion by 2030. To achieve this, they will negotiate a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025. Both countries will work together to increase market access and deepen supply chain integration, focusing on sectors like industrial goods and agriculture.
Energy Security: The two nations pledged to strengthen energy security by boosting collaboration in oil, gas, and nuclear energy. They affirmed support for India’s entry into the International Energy Agency and committed to enhancing energy trade, including US supplies of crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
Technology and Innovation: The leaders launched the “US-India TRUST” initiative to foster collaboration in critical technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. They also launched INDUS Innovation to drive industry partnerships and foster investments in emerging technologies like space exploration and semiconductors.
Multilateral Cooperation: Emphasizing the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Modi and Trump discussed enhancing cooperation in the region, particularly through the Quad framework. They also addressed issues like counterterrorism, with a commitment to eliminate terrorist safe havens and hold perpetrators accountable, such as those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
People-to-People Ties: Both leaders recognized the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in the US, particularly students, and emphasized the need for stronger mobility frameworks and law enforcement cooperation to tackle organized crime and illegal immigration.
Overall, the meeting highlighted a broad commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across defense, trade, energy, technology, and global security.
