Washington D.C., Feb 14: In a landmark visit, U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have deepened the strategic partnership between the United States and India, signing major agreements that will shape the future of their collaboration in defense, trade, technology, and energy.
The visit, which marks a new chapter in U.S.-India relations, saw the launch of the “U.S.-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), a comprehensive initiative aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in key areas of global significance.
U.S.-India Strengthen Defense Ties with New Military Agreements
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defense relations, with a focus on enhancing military cooperation, defense technology transfers, and joint development programs. A key highlight was the announcement of a new 10 year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership, slated for signing later in 2025. This agreement will pave the way for increased defense collaboration, including joint military exercises, technology sharing, and co-production of advanced defense systems.
The U.S. will expand its defense support to India, including the sale of advanced military equipment such as Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles. The two countries also agreed to finalize the procurement of six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, aimed at enhancing India’s maritime surveillance capabilities. Both nations are committed to advancing interoperability, including a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to streamline defense technology transfers.
Additionally, the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) will focus on developing advanced autonomous and artificial intelligence-enabled systems, marking a new chapter in defense innovation between the two nations.
U.S. and India Set Ambitious $500 Billion Trade Goal by 2030
President Trump and Prime Minister Modi set ambitious goals for bilateral economic growth, aiming to increase trade between the two nations to $500 billion by 2030. As part of this vision, the two leaders committed to negotiating a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025. The agreement is expected to address key trade barriers and expand market access in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and pharmaceuticals.
Both countries also took steps to improve access for U.S. exports in India and promote Indian products to U.S. markets. Measures to reduce tariffs on goods such as motorcycles, bourbon, and metals were welcomed, and discussions are underway to enhance access for U.S. agricultural products, including alfalfa hay and medical devices.
Indian investments in the U.S. are also on the rise, with companies such as Hindalco, Jubilant Pharma, and JSW Steel contributing to job creation in sectors like aluminum, pharmaceuticals, and steel.
U.S. and India Strengthen Bilateral Relations: Energy and Nuclear Ties
Energy security was another focal point of the discussions, with both leaders emphasizing the need for greater collaboration in the energy sector. The U.S. and India have committed to expanding their energy security partnership, focusing on the supply of petroleum, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and strategic petroleum reserves. The U.S. also expressed support for India’s membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA), aiming to enhance global energy cooperation.
In a major breakthrough for civil nuclear collaboration, the leaders agreed to accelerate plans for the construction of U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India. This partnership is expected to create new opportunities for advanced small modular reactors, as well as increased technology transfer and large-scale localization.
Technology and Innovation: U.S and India Partnership in Emerging Technologies
The leaders also unveiled the U.S.-India TRUST initiative (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology), designed to promote collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, space exploration, and semiconductors. A key area of focus is the development of AI infrastructure in India, with plans to establish next-generation data centers and computing systems capable of supporting AI applications.
Both countries also plan to enhance joint efforts in space exploration, with the upcoming NASA-ISRO “NISAR” mission set to make history as the first joint U.S.-India space mission. This mission will use dual radar systems to map changes to the Earth’s surface, setting the stage for future collaborative projects, including sending the first Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS).
U.S.-India Foreign Policy: Regional Stability in the Indo-Pacific
The U.S. and India reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. As key partners in the Quad, the two countries are focused on promoting regional security, economic growth, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Trump to attend the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, where new initiatives to enhance regional cooperation, including joint maritime patrols and disaster response capabilities, will be discussed.
Both nations also committed to deepening counterterrorism efforts, including joint action against terrorist organizations such as Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba. The U.S. announced the approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attacks, further strengthening their counterterrorism cooperation.
U.S & India People-to-People Ties: Education and Immigration
The leaders underscored the importance of people-to-people ties between the U.S. and India, with particular emphasis on educational exchanges and professional collaborations. India’s student community in the U.S. contributes significantly to both nations’ economies, and the leaders emphasized the need to facilitate the legal movement of students and professionals while also addressing issues related to illegal immigration.
Cooperation on combating human trafficking and organized crime was also discussed, with both countries agreeing to enhance joint efforts in these areas.
A New Era of U.S.-India Cooperation and Global Partnership
The meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi has set the stage for a new era of collaboration between the U.S. and India. With major agreements in defense, trade, energy, technology, and regional security, both nations are poised to strengthen their partnership, contributing to global peace and stability.
The U.S.-India COMPACT initiative will guide their shared vision for a future defined by innovation, prosperity, and mutual respect.
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