Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a bilateral meeting at the White House in the US.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Introduction
• Key Agreements (List of Key Agreements, Significance, Conclusion)

Introduction:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met in Washington, marking a significant milestone in the India-US bilateral relationship.
• The two leaders discussed defence cooperation, trade expansion, energy security, and technology collaboration.
• Key agreements were signed, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the world’s two largest democracies.
• During the meeting, both leaders committed to enhancing defence trade, setting ambitious trade targets, and boosting collaboration in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and space exploration.

Key Agreements Between India and the US:

• Defence Cooperation and F-35 Fighter Jet Sale
  • The US will sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India, strengthening India's air combat capabilities.
  • A new ten-year framework for US-India Major Defence Partnership will be signed this year.
  • India will procure six additional P8I maritime surveillance aircraft.
  • Joint defence manufacturing and technology sharing agreements will enhance cooperation.
  • A review of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) will streamline defence trade and technology exchange.
  • The US will work with India on autonomous defence technologies under the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA).
• Extradition of 26/11 Terror Accused Tahawwur Rana
  • President Trump confirmed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, wanted for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
  • The US Supreme Court approved his extradition, reinforcing India-US cooperation in counterterrorism.
  • Both nations committed to strengthening law enforcement collaboration against organized crime and terrorism.
• ‘Mission 500’: Expanding India-US Trade
  • The two nations set a target of $500 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030.
  • A new Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will be signed by fall 2025.
  • Indian companies have invested $7.35 billion in the US, creating 3,000+ high-quality jobs.
  • The US imposed reciprocal tariffs, but both nations agreed to resolve trade barriers.
• Energy Security and Nuclear Cooperation
  • India will increase oil and gas imports from the US, reducing trade imbalances.
  • The US will support India’s membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA).
  • Both countries will fully implement the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement.
  • Plans include the construction of US-designed nuclear reactors in India.
  • Collaboration on advanced modular nuclear reactors will ensure long-term energy security.
• People-to-People Connections and Education
  • The US recognized the 300,000-strong Indian student community, contributing $8 billion annually to the US economy.
  • Plans include:
    • Joint degree programs between US and Indian universities.
    • Twinning programs for student exchange.
    • Offshore campuses of US institutions in India.
  • The two countries committed to streamlining visa processes for professionals and students.
• Technology and Innovation Partnerships
  • Launch of US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative to promote critical technologies.
  • Expansion of INDUS Innovation, a program to foster tech collaboration in AI, semiconductors, and space exploration.
  • India and the US will jointly develop quantum computing and biotechnology projects.
  • A new Strategic Mineral Recovery Initiative will help India access critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
  • The US National Science Foundation and Indian Anusandhan National Research Foundation signed an MoU for research collaborations.
• Multilateral Cooperation and Indo-Pacific Strategy
  • Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to QUAD (India, US, Australia, Japan).
  • PM Modi invited President Trump to India for the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
  • A new Indian Ocean Strategic Venture will focus on economic connectivity and commerce.
  • Both countries condemned cross-border terrorism and urged Pakistan to bring 26/11 and Pathankot attack perpetrators to justice.

Significance of the India-US Strategic Partnership:

• Strengthening Defence Ties: The sale of F-35 jets and co-production agreements will boost India’s security.
• Trade and Investment Growth: ‘Mission 500’ sets a bold trade target for the next decade.
• Energy Security: Increased oil and gas imports and nuclear cooperation will enhance India’s energy stability.
• Technology Leadership: AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor initiatives will boost India’s tech ecosystem.
• Global Strategic Influence: India’s partnership with the US strengthens its position in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion:

• The India-US strategic partnership continues to grow, with major agreements in defence, trade, energy, and technology.
• The two nations are committed to enhancing economic cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and global peace initiatives.
• As India and the US deepen their alliance, they set the stage for a stronger, more resilient partnership in the years ahead.