On February 14, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations. The leaders emphasized their shared commitment to enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors.
Defense Collaboration
A cornerstone of the announcement is a ten-year defense cooperation plan, which includes discussions on the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to India. This move signifies a deepening strategic partnership and mutual interest in regional security.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our bilateral relations, reflecting our shared commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of our societies.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Trade Relations
Both countries have set an ambitious goal to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Efforts to reduce trade barriers were highlighted, with India agreeing to lower tariffs on American goods, including automobiles. The U.S. also plans to increase energy exports to India, aiming to balance the trade deficit.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
The leaders announced the launch of “INDUS Innovation,” a new initiative modeled after the successful INDUS-X platform. This program aims to advance U.S.-India industry and academic partnerships, fostering investments in space, energy, and other emerging technologies. A significant focus will be on artificial intelligence (AI), with plans to:
- Enable industry partnerships and investments in next-generation data centers.
- Collaborate on the development and access to computing resources and processors for AI.
- Innovate in AI models and build applications to address societal challenges.
These efforts will be undertaken while ensuring necessary protections and controls to safeguard technologies and reduce regulatory barriers.
“We are committed to elevating the U.S.-India partnership to new heights, focusing on defense, trade, and technology to ensure a prosperous future for both nations.”
President Donald Trump
Security and Immigration
Both nations committed to strengthening law enforcement cooperation to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking. The U.S. supported India’s request for the extradition of an individual accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, underscoring a shared commitment to counterterrorism.
These developments mark a significant enhancement in U.S.-India relations, reflecting a shared vision for a secure and prosperous future.