India-US release joint statement on PM Modi’s US visit

Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Bilateral Cooperation

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to the United States at the invitation of the White House, marking his first visit since President Donald Trump began his second term ,reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Commitment to a Free and Prosperous Indo-Pacific

During their discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They emphasized ASEAN centrality, adherence to international law, and freedom of navigation as essential for regional stability. The joint statement released post-meeting highlighted their shared vision for security and cooperation.

New Initiatives and Strengthened Defence Collaboration

• President Trump and PM Modi launched the “US-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), aimed at driving transformative change across key sectors.

• Plans were announced for a new ten-year Framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership to deepen strategic ties.

• Both nations will pursue new procurements and co-production arrangements, including Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles.

• The leaders committed to accelerating defense technology cooperation across space, air defense, missile, maritime, and undersea technologies.

• They pledged to elevate military cooperation across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace through enhanced training and joint exercises like the “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise.

Expanding Trade and Investment

• A bold new goal, “Mission 500,” was set to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
• Both nations will negotiate the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025 to promote market access and supply chain integration.
• The United States welcomed India’s recent steps to lower tariffs on key US exports, including bourbon, motorcycles, and agricultural products.
• The two sides committed to expanding bilateral trade in industrial goods and labor-intensive manufactured products.
• Major Indian investments in the US worth $7.35 billion were welcomed, including projects in steel, battery materials, and pharmaceuticals.

Energy Security and Civil Nuclear Cooperation

• Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to energy security, including oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.
• The US committed to expanding its role as a leading supplier of crude oil and LNG to India.
• Plans were outlined to advance US-India collaboration in nuclear energy, including the localization of US-designed nuclear reactors in India.
• India will work towards full membership in the International Energy Agency with US support.

Technology and Innovation for the Future

• The “US-India TRUST” (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative was launched to advance critical technology collaboration in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, space, and defense.
• A new roadmap on AI infrastructure will be developed to enhance investments in data centers and computing capabilities.
• The “INDUS Innovation” initiative was introduced to foster academic and industry partnerships in space and energy technologies.
• Both sides pledged to strengthen semiconductor, critical minerals, and pharmaceutical supply chains.
• India and the US announced a partnership in space exploration, including the first Indian astronaut’s visit to the ISS through a NASA-ISRO effort.

The two leaders exchanged a warm embrace, with Trump expressing, “We missed you a lot.” PM Modi reciprocated, emphasizing the significance of their meeting.

Multilateral Cooperation and Security Commitments

• As Quad partners, the leaders reiterated their commitment to an open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
• The US recognized India’s role as a key security provider in the Indian Ocean and announced joint investments in regional infrastructure.
• Both leaders called for greater defense cooperation in multinational settings, with India set to take a leadership role in the Combined Maritime Forces.
• Stronger counterterrorism collaboration was emphasized, with a commitment to eliminating terrorist safe havens and bringing perpetrators of past attacks to justice.

People-to-People Cooperation and Mobility

• The leaders recognized the significant contributions of the 300,000-strong Indian student community in the US, contributing over $8 billion annually.
• Plans were announced to streamline student and professional mobility, facilitate short-term travel, and address illegal immigration.
• US and India will enhance collaborations between higher education institutions through joint degree programs and academic exchanges.
• Law enforcement cooperation will be strengthened to combat illegal immigration networks, organized crime, and human trafficking.

Future Prospects of the US-India Partnership

President Trump and Prime Minister Modi pledged sustained high-level engagement between governments, industries, and academic institutions. They reaffirmed their vision for an enduring US-India partnership, ensuring security, prosperity, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

***********************************************************

Readers

These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.

Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world.  We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.

For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com