Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump reaffirmed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during their high-profile meeting in Washington, unveiling key initiatives across defence, trade, energy, and technology. Highlights include the US-India COMPACT framework, major defence procurements, and the TRUST initiative focused on AI, semiconductors, and space. Both nations set an ambitious $500 billion trade target by 2030, reinforcing their commitment to economic and industrial collaboration.
India-US Reaffirm Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
The two leaders emphasized their commitment to freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and pluralism, while underscoring the strength of their strategic partnership. According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, this partnership is “anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement of their citizens.”
Launch of US-India COMPACT Initiative
As part of their deepening collaboration, they launched the “US-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century, aimed at driving transformative progress across key sectors. The initiative sets a results-oriented agenda, with initial outcomes expected this year to reflect the trust underpinning this mutually beneficial relationship.
New Defence Procurements & Regulatory Reforms
Both sides committed to a robust defence partnership. A new ten-year Framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership is set to be signed later this year, with the US pledging additional defence sales and co-production initiatives. Key procurements include Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and six more P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to boost India’s surveillance capabilities.
Advancing Defence Technologies & Military Collaboration
The leaders agreed to accelerate cooperation in space, air defence, missile systems, maritime, and undersea operations. The US will review policies on fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea systems for India. The launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) will spur innovation in AI-enabled counter-UAS and maritime defence, complemented by an expanded “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise in India.
Economic & Trade Expansion – Mission 500
Both nations aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 under “Mission 500.” They plan to negotiate the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement by fall 2025, focusing on fair trade, national security, and job creation. Initiatives include lowering tariffs on select US and Indian products to enhance market access and supply chain integration.
Indian Investments in the US & Job Creation
Indian investments in the US, totaling $7.35 billion and creating over 3,000 jobs, were highlighted with projects such as Hindalco’s aluminium expansion, JSW Steel’s growth, Epsilon Advanced Materials’ battery production, and Jubilant Pharma’s manufacturing in Washington.
Energy Security & Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Energy security remains central, with both nations reinforcing the US-India Energy Security Partnership and supporting stable energy markets. The US backed India’s bid for full IEA membership, and under the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, plans were set to build US-designed reactors in India, aided by recent legislative amendments.
Strengthening Technology & Innovation Ties
The launch of the US-India TRUST initiative will boost cooperation in defence, AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space. A key element is the upcoming US-India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure, set to address financing constraints and foster data centre investments and industry partnerships.
Boosting Space Cooperation & Critical Minerals Partnership
New efforts to deepen space collaboration include the introduction of INDUS Innovation, inspired by the INDUS-X platform, which will drive academic and industrial partnerships in space and emerging tech. Additionally, both nations pledged to accelerate research and investment in critical minerals under the Mineral Security Partnership and the Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative.
Landmark Space Collaboration in 2025
2025 promises to be a milestone for US-India space ties, as NASA and ISRO partner via AXIOM to send the first Indian astronaut to the ISS and expedite the NISAR dual-radar satellite launch. Both countries reiterated their commitment to advancing space exploration, human spaceflight, and safety cooperation.
