New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day visit to the United States from February 12, where he will hold high-level discussions with US President Donald Trump on key issues, including trade and defence, sources familiar with the matter revealed on Monday.
According to the proposed itinerary, Modi will first visit Paris for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit on February 10-11, before traveling to Washington, D.C., on February 12. The Indian prime minister is expected to land in the American capital in the evening and hold talks with President Trump the following day.
This will mark Modi’s first bilateral visit to the US since Trump assumed office for a second term on January 20, following his electoral victory in November. Notably, Modi will be among the few world leaders to visit Washington, D.C., so soon after the new US administration took charge. However, there has been no official confirmation of the visit yet. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that New Delhi was working closely with Washington to schedule an “early” visit for the Indian prime minister.
Key Issues on the Agenda
The visit comes amid concerns in India regarding the US administration’s approach to tariffs and immigration policies. Just a day before the visit was reported, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10% tax on Chinese goods.
During a phone conversation on January 27, Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a trusted partnership, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and defence. Following the call, the White House stated that Trump emphasized the need for India to increase its procurement of US-made security equipment and work towards a fair bilateral trade agreement.
Additionally, both leaders underscored their shared vision for strengthening the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India set to host the Quad Leaders’ Summit for the first time later this year.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation on the Horizon
India has already signaled its interest in deepening energy collaboration with the US, particularly in the clean energy sector. In a significant move ahead of Modi’s US visit, New Delhi announced plans to amend its nuclear liability law and launch a nuclear energy mission.
India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) has been a sticking point in the implementation of the landmark India-US civil nuclear agreement—signed 16 years ago—but New Delhi now appears ready to ease certain provisions that have hindered progress.
Reports suggest that India is exploring potential civil nuclear cooperation with the US in the field of small modular reactors (SMRs). US-based Holtec International, a leading SMR exporter, has emerged as a potential collaborator, with India's Department of Atomic Energy reportedly keen on exploring partnerships in this space.
Strategic Implications
Modi’s upcoming visit is expected to strengthen the India-US strategic partnership, particularly in defence and energy cooperation, while addressing longstanding trade concerns. As both nations navigate evolving global economic and security challenges, the meeting between Modi and Trump could set the stage for deeper collaboration in the coming years