Synopsis
India and the US are finalizing details for PM Modi's visit to Washington this month, likely after the AI Summit in Paris. The discussions, emphasizing the strength of their strategic partnership, highlight the importance of this visit in enhancing bilateral relations.Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's upcoming US visit is set to take place after the AI Summit.
- Strengthening India-US relations is a primary focus.
- Significant discussions have taken place between the leaders.
- The visit aims to enhance global strategic partnerships.
- Both nations express mutual respect and admiration.
New Delhi/Washington, Feb 1 (NationPress) India and the United States are actively coordinating for an upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington this month, likely to occur right after his attendance at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit being held in Paris at the Grand Palais on February 10 and 11.
A discussion regarding a potential White House visit was part of PM Modi's phone call with US President Donald Trump on January 27, highlighting the strong friendship and strategic relationships shared by both nations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing on Friday, "The two sides are engaged in planning an early visit of the Prime Minister to the United States to further enhance the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US. Specific dates are still being finalized and will be disclosed at the appropriate time."
It is anticipated that the Prime Minister will head to the United States for a bilateral visit following his participation in the AI Summit in Paris.
This visit would signify the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between India and the US, as well as the close personal relationship between the two leaders, since PM Modi is expected to be one of the first foreign leaders to visit the White House during President Trump's historic second term.
President Trump has already committed to reinforcing the strong partnership with India and PM Modi, continuing the close relations established during his first term.
"We have hit the ground running, as evidenced by External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar’s presence at the inaugural ceremony at Capitol Hill, and the invitation extended to Prime Minister Modi for a separate standalone visit to the US shortly after President Trump's inauguration," said former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla in an exclusive interview with IANS.
"This will pave the way for significant decisions moving forward and enhance the relationship ahead of President Trump’s visit later this year for the Quad Summit hosted by India. Trump 2.0 presents unique opportunities for various reasons, including his unrestrained mandate this time. He has the chance to significantly advance the relationship given that this is a legacy term, alongside a mutual desire to work on the comprehensive global strategic partnership," Shringla added.
The Chief Coordinator of India's G20 Presidency emphasized that issues like tariffs can be navigated smoothly due to the excellent rapport shared between PM Modi and President Trump.
"Previous Prime Ministers and Presidents have consistently endorsed progress in the relationship, as Prime Minister Modi has with successive US presidents. However, the chemistry between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump is particularly noteworthy. We witnessed this during the successful 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston and the 'Namaste Trump' event in Ahmedabad in early 2020. Their relationship is undeniably strong," Shringla stated.
The January 27 phone conversation was the second discussion between the two leaders following Trump's re-election, with the first occurring shortly after his victory in the November 2024 Presidential election.
"There exists a great deal of mutual admiration and respect, which lays the groundwork for significant enhancement of the bilateral relationship. It is crucial to commence from the leaders' level and then cascade down. From that perspective, we have made a good start. There was a positive conversation reported yesterday, which will serve as a foundation for high-level visits and key decisions to follow," remarked Shringla.
