Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to make headlines once again with his likely visit to the United States on February 12, marking his first trip to Washington DC since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The potential visit, still awaiting official confirmation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), comes at a pivotal time for India-US relations, offering a unique opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, defense, and energy cooperation.
From Paris to Washington: A Strategic Diplomacy Tour
According to sources, PM Modi’s travel itinerary begins in Paris, where he will participate in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit on February 10-11. The summit is expected to focus on harnessing AI for sustainable development, an area where India seeks to play a leading role. Following this, the Prime Minister will head to Washington DC, making him one of the few foreign leaders to meet with President Trump shortly after his return to power.
This visit signifies the mutual importance both nations place on their partnership. With India aiming to expand its technological and energy collaborations, PM Modi’s tour is expected to set the stage for fruitful discussions on key global and bilateral issues.
A Changing Dynamic: Navigating Trump’s Policies
PM Modi’s visit comes amid growing concerns in India over President Trump’s policies on immigration and trade tariffs. In a move that has drawn global attention, President Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, alongside a 10% tax on Chinese goods. While he later deferred tariffs on Mexican imports, no relief was granted to other nations, raising questions about the future of global trade relations.
For India, this visit offers an opportunity to address these concerns directly. PM Modi is expected to advocate for a fair and balanced trade relationship, emphasizing India’s commitment to fostering strong economic ties with the US.
Energy and Defense: Cornerstones of Collaboration
India has already signaled its intent to deepen cooperation with the US in the clean energy sector, an area of mutual interest. In recent developments, the Indian government announced plans to amend its Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) to remove hurdles impeding the implementation of the landmark civil nuclear deal signed 16 years ago. This move is expected to pave the way for civil nuclear cooperation, particularly in small modular reactors (SMRs), a cutting-edge technology where US-based companies like Holtec International are global leaders.
Defense collaboration is also likely to be a focal point. During a phone call on January 27, PM Modi and President Trump discussed enhancing India’s procurement of US-made security equipment, signaling a shared commitment to bolstering defense ties.
A Vision for Trusted Partnership
The anticipated visit comes on the heels of a phone conversation between the two leaders, where they emphasized the need for a “trusted partnership.” This vision extends beyond trade and defense to include cooperation in energy, technology, and sustainable development. As global challenges like climate change and geopolitical instability loom large, this partnership could prove instrumental in shaping a more secure and prosperous future.
Civil Nuclear Deal: A New Era on the Horizon
India’s recent decision to amend its nuclear liability law reflects its commitment to advancing the historic civil nuclear deal. By addressing legal hurdles, India hopes to unlock new opportunities for collaboration in nuclear energy, particularly with cutting-edge technologies like SMRs. This development aligns with India’s broader goals of promoting clean energy and reducing its carbon footprint.
Setting the Stage for a Transformative Visit
PM Modi’s likely US visit holds the promise of revitalizing India-US relations at a time of global uncertainty. With trade imbalances, energy collaboration, and defense partnerships at the forefront, the visit is poised to chart a new course for bilateral ties. As both leaders work toward a shared vision of progress and sustainability, this visit could serve as a turning point in strengthening the bond between two of the world’s largest democracies.
The diplomatic spotlight is set, and all eyes are on Washington DC as PM Modi prepares to embark on a journey that could redefine India-US relations for years to come.