 "Modi to visit US on Trump’s invitation on Feb 12-13, to hold talks with Potus: Foreign secretary")
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States on Feb. 12-13 at the invitation of President Donald Trump, India’s foreign secretary announced Friday (February 7).
During the working visit, Modi will hold bilateral talks with Trump in restrictive as well as other formats, discussing key aspects of the India-US strategic partnership, Vikram Misri said during a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefing.
The announcement of the visit comes amid controversy within the nation over the treatment of 104 Indian immigrants deported by Washington and sent to Amritsar this week as part of Trump’s immigration agenda.
Modi is expected to meet with business leaders and interact with the Indian community during his time in the US.
The visit will build upon the close ties that already exist between the two leaders, with foreign secretary Misri noting that Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump following his election victory.
“During the first term of Trump, PM Modi visited US on two occasions (2017 and 2019). He was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory. He also interacted with Trump following his inauguration during which the US President invited him,” Misri said.
Possible issues on the agenda
Given the criticism from the opposition in India regarding the treatment of the deportees coming from the US, that issue is expected to be on the agenda during the upcoming Modi-Trump meeting.
Bilateral trade would be another aspect that could be discussed. India is keen to enhance trade relations with the US and make it easier for its citizens to get skilled worker visas.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe US is India’s largest trading partner. In 2023-24, the bilateral trade between the nations surpassed $118 billion, with India posting a trade surplus of $32 billion.
It is also keen to avoid tariffs that Trump has threatened in the past, citing high tariffs on US products.
With inputs from agencies
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