 "The photograph shows US President Donald Trump (right) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) at the Oval Office of White House in Washington DC in 2017. Reuters")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit the United States on February 12 and 13 said that he is looking forward to meeting his “friend” US President Donald Trump. Modi who is currently heading to France for a three-day visit said that his US trip will allow both nations to build upon the bilateral achievements during Trump’s first term in office.
“From France, I will proceed on a two-day visit to the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump. I look forward to meeting my friend, President Trump,” the prime minister said in his departure statement on Monday.
“Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US,” he added.
What’s on the cards?
In his departure statement, the prime minister maintained that his US visit would allow both nations to further their bilateral ties in key areas like technology, trade, defence and energy. “This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience,” the prime minister wrote.
“We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world,” he added. During his trip to Washington, the Prime Minister will be holding a bilateral meeting with Trump. He will also be interacting with business leaders and members of the Indian community.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe visit is coming at a time when Trump has often threatened to impose high tariffs on India and other nations. Earlier this month, Washington also deported 104 ‘undocumented’ Indian migrants. The way these migrants were brought back to India led to a massive uproar in Parliament with opposition calling it “inhuman” treatment of Indian nationals. However, it is unclear whether this matter will be addressed or not.