Deepening U.S.-India relations: A renewed commitment by Modi and Trump: USISPF

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, USISPF, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald J Trump “for the substantive outcomes achieved in their first meeting in President Trump’s second term.” Among them, the extradition of Tahawwur Rana,  a convicted felon in US custody and one of the masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai attack, was “One of the biggest and least expected wins” from the Trump-Modi summit, USISPF asserted in its Feb. 16, press release, signifying a joint commitment to zero tolerance for terror and counter-terrorism cooperation among like-minded partners.

Prime Minister Modi is the fourth world leader that President Trump met in his first month in office, which, according to USISPF, “showcases the importance and heft of the bilateral relationship.”

According to a press release from USISPF, despite the short duration of Modi’s visit, there were “substantive outcomes, with both leaders reaffirming the enduring strategic and economic partnership between the United States and India in defense, trade, energy, countering terrorism, and strengthening people-to-people ties.”

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Reaffirming the U.S.-India Trade and Economic Partnership

The joint statement’s most substantive development is the commitment to negotiating the first tranche of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025 and announcing “Mission 500,” an ambitious initiative to increase U.S.-India bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, the USISPF noted.

The agreement outlined how US and India will focus on reducing trade barriers to enhance predictability for businesses, and in line with the COMPACT framework, promote transparency, stability, and sustained economic engagement between the two economies.

Modi had come to Washington with a slew of tariff reductions he hoped would contribute to reduce President Trump’s concern with New Delhi’s tariffs. “The leaders’ recognition of India’s tariff reductions on bourbon, motorcycles, ICT products, and metals, along with increased US agricultural exports like alfalfa hay and duck meat, marks a positive step,” USISPF said in the press release. On India’s part was an appreciation of US measures to facilitate mango and pomegranate exports to US.

President Trump however, doubled down during Modi’s visit, on his position on tariffs, signing a Presidential Memorandum, “Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs,” initiating the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan,” that calls for redressing trade imbalances, which is expected to go into effect April 2, and could dramatically affect India’s exports to US, unless New Delhi makes substantive concessions on the tariff front.

Defense and Security: Strengthening Military Cooperation

In its press release, USISPF drew attention to his first term, when President Trump prioritized safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific. During this visit, both leaders prioritized the defense relationship, with President Trump applauding the increase in military sales to India, with a long-term vision to strengthen India’s defense capabilities.

In line with military sales, Washington will also provide India with F-35 fighter jets, along with C‑130J Super Hercules, C‑17 Globemaster III, P‑8I Poseidon aircraft; CH‑47F Chinooks, MH‑60R Seahawks, and AH‑64E Apaches; Harpoon anti-ship missiles; M777 howitzers and MQ‑9Bs. Discussions also include new procurements and co-production agreements for Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, along with the acquisition of six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, further strengthening India’s defense capabilities.

Beyond defense and trade, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and semiconductor development.

The two leaders unveiled the U.S.-India TRUST (“Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology”) initiative, a key priority under INDUS-X. The launch of INDUS Innovation, an innovation bridge mirroring the INDUS-X platform, “will further enhance the defense collaboration through technology and the private sector,” USISPF noted.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to rejigging resilient supply chains for strategic minerals. Both countries will work to develop research and develop and promote investments across critical mineral value chains through the Mineral Security Partnership. -The launch of the new Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative will boost the recovery and processing of critical minerals (including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth) from heavy industries along the lines of aluminum, coal mining, and oil and gas.

Energy Security: A Pillar of Economic Cooperation

Energy security emerged as a vital pillar of the strengthened partnership, according to USISPF. In this sector, the two countries plan to collaborate across the spectrum of energy sources, touching on oil, gas, and civil nuclear.  Key objectives include enhancing hydrocarbon production, expanding strategic petroleum reserves, and securing US support for India’s full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA).  The US aims to solidify its position as a leading supplier of crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG to India, accompanied by increased investment in oil and gas infrastructure to facilitate these exports.

“We anticipate the advancement of the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, including plans to develop advanced small modular reactors in India, which will boost technology transfer and substantial localization,” USISPF predicted.

Other positive outcomes included a reaffirmation of people-to-people ties through educational exchanges, promoting tourism, and combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking across borders.

USISPF sees 2025 as a “landmark year” for bilateral relations, with India set to host the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit, for which Modi extended an invitation to President Trump; and the two democracies expressing confidence in finding mutually beneficial solutions for long-term economic growth.