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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States, though brief, proved remarkably productive, yielding significant gains for India across various sectors. The trip, characterized by the Ministry of External Affairs as 'substantive and very productive,' showcased a strong bilateral relationship built on mutual respect and shared strategic interests. A key focus was on boosting trade relations, a goal underscored by the announcement of 'Mission 500,' aiming to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 – a more than twofold increase from the current $129.2 billion. This ambitious target necessitates the negotiation of a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with the first tranche expected by fall 2025. The commitment to this agreement, alongside the discussion of reciprocal tariffs, signifies a proactive approach to addressing trade imbalances and fostering a more equitable economic partnership. This proactive stance, coupled with President Trump’s acknowledgement of PM Modi as a “much tougher negotiator,” highlights the strength of India’s negotiating position in these crucial talks.
Beyond trade, the visit secured significant advancements in defense cooperation. Perhaps the most notable achievement is the paving of the way for India to acquire F-35 stealth fighter jets, a major breakthrough given the US's previous reluctance to provide access to this advanced technology. This deal not only modernizes India's defense capabilities but also strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations. Furthermore, the announcement of a new 10-year defense framework, alongside plans for co-production of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles, signifies a long-term commitment to joint defense initiatives. The establishment of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) further underscores this commitment, marking India as the first nation to collaborate with the US on sensitive underwater domain awareness (UDA) technologies. These defense agreements demonstrate a deepening convergence of strategic interests and a commitment to enhancing India's security posture.
The visit also yielded a significant victory in the realm of counter-terrorism. The extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, represents a major step forward in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice. This decision, following the US Supreme Court's rejection of Rana's appeal, showcases the US's unwavering commitment to assisting India in its fight against terrorism. Moreover, the joint statement emphasizes a commitment to strengthening cooperation against various terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, Islamic State, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayiba, and a call for Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks to justice. This collaboration reinforces the strong partnership between India and the US in countering terrorism and preventing future attacks. The extradition, therefore, carries significant symbolic weight, underscoring that terrorists will not find safe havens and that international cooperation is crucial in combating terrorism. This successful extradition is a testament to the robust India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.
While not explicitly discussed in detail, President Trump's response regarding the situation in Bangladesh subtly conveyed support for India's position. By deflecting questions about US involvement and deferring to Prime Minister Modi, Trump effectively avoided potentially contentious statements that might strain the India-Bangladesh relationship. This implicit backing bolsters India's stance on the matter and underscores the strength of the strategic ties between India and the United States. In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s whirlwind visit to the US proved highly successful, achieving significant breakthroughs in trade, defense, and counter-terrorism, thereby solidifying the already strong India-US partnership and positioning India for enhanced security and economic prosperity.
Source: Trade, tech and terror: How PM Modi scored a win for India with his US visit