Outcome of PM’s Visit
The recent meeting between the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in Washington D.C. on February 13, 2025, reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual interests, and growing economic and strategic cooperation. A new initiative, “U.S.-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), was launched to drive bilateral collaboration across multiple domains.
Defense Cooperation
- A new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership will be signed to strengthen bilateral defense ties.
- Expansion of defense procurement and co-production, including Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles.
- India to procure six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance maritime security.
- Review of arms transfer regulations, including ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), to streamline defense trade and technology exchange.
- Establishment of Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to align procurement policies.
- Launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) to enhance cooperation in defense technology, especially in AI-enabled systems.
- Strengthened military cooperation through expanded “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercises.
- Enhanced logistics, intelligence sharing, and force mobility for joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations in the Indo-Pacific.
Trade and Investment Relations
- Mission 500 aims to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
- First Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations to begin by Fall 2025, covering tariff reductions and supply chain integration.
- India lowers tariffs on bourbon, motorcycles, ICT products, and metals to facilitate U.S. exports.
- S. enhances market access for Indian agriculture, industrial goods, and manufactured exports.
- Major Indian companies investing $7.35 billion in U.S. industries, supporting thousands of jobs.
Energy Security
- S.-India Energy Security Partnership to ensure stable and affordable energy markets.
- Expansion of strategic petroleum reserves and hydrocarbon trade, with India aiming for International Energy Agency (IEA) membership.
- Full realization of the S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, including localization and technology transfer for U.S.-designed nuclear reactors.
- Amendments to Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) to facilitate nuclear cooperation.
Technology and Innovation
- S.-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative launched.
- Roadmap for AI infrastructure development with a focus on computing, data centers, and regulatory frameworks.
- INDUS Innovation platform introduced to promote collaboration in space, energy, and emerging technologies.
- Plans for NASA-ISRO astronaut collaboration and the launch of the NISAR mission for Earth surface mapping.
- Strengthened partnerships in semiconductors, critical minerals, and pharmaceutical supply chains.
- Strategic Mineral Recovery Initiative launched for processing lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
Multilateral and Regional Cooperation
- Strengthening of the Quad partnership with new airlift and maritime patrol initiatives.
- India to play a leadership role in the Combined Maritime Forces naval task force for Arabian Sea security.
- Launch of the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture to enhance regional economic and security investments.
- Strengthening diplomatic consultations and security cooperation in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific.
- Counterterrorism commitments against Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, including extradition approvals.
People-to-People Engagement and Mobility
- Recognition of the 300,000+ Indian student community in the U.S., contributing significantly to both economies.
- Expansion of academic collaborations, including joint degrees and Centers of Excellence.
- Streamlined legal mobility frameworks for professionals and students while addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking.
- Enhanced law enforcement cooperation on organized crime, narco-terrorism, and cyber threats.
Conclusion
The India-U.S. relationship continues to evolve into a strategic global partnership with significant geopolitical, economic, and technological implications. The latest initiatives provide a roadmap for deeper cooperation in defense, trade, energy, and technological innovation.