In a move to bolster India-US relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump unveiled several initiatives following their bilateral talks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized Mission-500, which seeks to elevate bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.
The leaders also introduced the US-India Compact for the 21st Century, designed to accelerate cooperation in military partnerships, commerce, and technology. Additionally, they committed to negotiating a multi-sector trade agreement by the fall of 2025 to enhance trade across goods and services, Misri said.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday (local time), Misri said, “The two leaders have jointly launched the US-India Compact for the 21st Century to foster deeper collaboration in defense, trade, and technology. In the area of trade and investment, Mission-500 has been introduced to more than double total two-way trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.”
“The leaders have also agreed to initiate negotiations for a comprehensive multi-sector bilateral trade agreement, with the first phase expected to be completed by the fall of 2025. Both nations will adopt an integrated approach to expanding trade across goods and services. There is also a renewed commitment to making greenfield investments in high-value industries in each other’s countries”, he added.
Additionally, the leaders unveiled plans to establish a new 10-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership, spanning from 2025 to 2035.
“This framework will strengthen defense cooperation, with ongoing negotiations for procurement of various platforms, including land and air systems, as well as co-production agreements. Both countries have also agreed to initiate discussions on a reciprocal defense procurement agreement,” Misri said.
During the visit, President Trump warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the White House, with the two leaders sharing a warm embrace.
Trump reiterated that India-US ties would continue to deepen, while PM Modi expressed his confidence that their strategic partnership would advance with the same trust and enthusiasm. Modi also noted that his third consecutive term as India’s leader—an achievement not seen in the country for 60 years—reflects the strong mandate given by the people of India.
This visit marks PM Modi’s first to the United States since President Trump began his second term last month. Modi is also among the first world leaders to visit the US following Trump’s re-election, having received an invitation within three weeks of the new administration taking office.
(ANI)
