NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington D.C., February 14, 2025 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held extensive discussions on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening the India-U.S. strategic partnership during a joint press conference held in Washington, D.C. Modi articulated the concept of India and US’s “MEGA” partnership. This initiative symbolizes the fusion of President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) vision with Prime Minister Modi’s “Make India Great Again” (MIGA) aspiration.
Prime Minister Modi mentioned this concept during the joint press conference, stating, “Americans are familiar with President Trump’s motto, Make America Great Again, or ‘MAGA.’ The people of India are also moving towards development at a fast pace with the determination of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ on the track of heritage and development. If I say in the language of America, developed India means Make India Great Again, i.e., ‘MIGA.’ When the United States and India work together, i.e., ‘MAGA’ plus ‘MIGA,’ the ‘MEGA’ Partnership for prosperity is formed. And this mega spirit gives new scale and scope to our goals.”
Economic cooperation was a key theme of the discussions, with both leaders pledging to enhance trade relations and investment opportunities. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to economic reforms and digital transformation, positioning the country as an attractive destination for U.S. businesses. “Today, we have set a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030. Our teams will work on an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” Modi announced. The leaders also discussed advancing semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy collaboration, and the expansion of technology partnerships.
Defense and security cooperation remained a central focus, with both nations agreeing to strengthen their defense ties through joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and increased defense technology transfers. “As strategic and trusted partners, we are actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology,” Modi stated. He also announced the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance and the creation of a Defence Cooperation Framework for the next decade.
The leaders addressed global challenges, including climate change and counterterrorism efforts. Modi reaffirmed India’s dedication to achieving sustainable development goals and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental concerns. He also highlighted the two nations’ close cooperation in space, noting that the “NISAR” satellite, a joint ISRO-NASA project, will soon be launched on an Indian vehicle.
On counterterrorism, Modi thanked President Trump for deciding to extradite Tahawwur Rana involved in the 2008 killings in India, ensuring that justice would be served in Indian courts. “India and the United States have stood firmly together in the fight against terrorism. We agree that concerted action is necessary to eradicate cross-border terrorism,” he affirmed.
The leaders also discussed strengthening people-to-people ties, with Modi announcing plans to open new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston. He also invited American universities to establish offshore campuses in India.
Concluding the press conference, Modi extended a warm invitation to Trump to visit India again. “The people of India still remember your visit of 2020, and hope that President Trump will come to them once again,” he said. The visit and joint statements reflect a continued commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and fostering long-term economic and security cooperation between India and the United States.
Indiaspora Founder and Chairman MR Rangaswami welcomed the commitment by PM Modi and President Trump to strengthen U.S.-India relations. “Indiaspora welcomes the commitment by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to prioritize the U.S.-India relationship, which is reinforced by the strong personal rapport between these leaders and the enduring partnership between the two great democracies. We are confident that the global Indian diaspora will continue to serve as a vital bridge between these nations, fostering deeper collaboration that enhances prosperity, innovation, security, and well-being for both American and Indian citizens,” he said.
Indiaspora Executive Director Sanjeev Joshipura emphasized the bipartisan consensus on Indo-U.S. relations as a key opportunity for global leadership. “The strong bipartisan consensus supporting Indo-U.S. relations creates a unique opportunity for both nations to demonstrate global leadership and advance their national interests. It is important for both leaders to continue their commitment to fostering dialogue to ensure that both nations can attain their economic, political, and security goals,” he stated.
Acknowledging the complexities of the partnership, Joshipura added, “While India and the United States navigate complex bilateral challenges—as is natural in any significant partnership—the relationship is broad and mature enough to take in stride differing opinions on certain topics.”
Cover photo courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India.
