Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Washington, D.C., in the evening of February 12, 2025, to begin a significant two-day visit with the aim of further consolidating Indo-U.S. ties. The visit comes after his engagements in France, where he co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Emmanuel Macron and opened India’s first consulate in Marseille.
Arrival in Washington, D.C.
Upon arrival in the U.S. capital, Prime Minister Modi will be greeted with a dinner by President Donald Trump at the White House. The informal meeting is expected to lay a good foundation for the follow-up official discussions.
Agenda Highlights
The major agenda of this visit is to provide strength to the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the United States and India. The major agenda points are:
Trade and Commerce: The talks are expected to involve the narrowing down of India’s $35 billion trade surplus over the U.S. India recently reduced tariffs on American imports, including motorcycles and components used by technology firms, which indicates an intent towards balanced trade.
Defense Cooperation: The two countries will aim to enhance defense ties, with possible deals on the purchase of American-security hardware and collaborative efforts in defense technology.
Immigration and Skilled Workforce: One of the key areas of discussion will be the question of migration, namely that of H-1B visas. India has 72% of these visas, which are crucial for its skilled professionals in the United States. Balancing the deportation of illegal immigrants with the need for a steady supply of skilled workers is a delicate issue likely to be addressed by both leaders.
Strategic Significance
This visit has been seen as a watershed moment in Indo-U.S. relations, coming shortly after President Trump’s inauguration to his second term. The advance scheduling of this meeting is a reflection of the importance both nations place on the bilateral relationship and their commitment to address common challenges and opportunities.
As Prime Minister Modi embarks on this significant portion of his foreign tour, the international community looks on with great interest at the outcome of his interactions in Washington, D.C., anticipating intensified contacts and cooperative efforts between the world’s two largest democracies.