Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United States on February 12-13 for his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in his second term. The visit, taking place within a month of Trump’s return to office, comes amid tensions over trade tariffs and the recent deportation of Indian nationals from the US.

Significance of the Visit

Announcing the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized its importance, stating, “Prime Minister Modi will be among the first world leaders to visit the United States following President Trump’s inauguration. This underscores the significance of the India-US partnership and the bipartisan support it enjoys in the US.”

President Trump has already hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is scheduled to meet Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba later this week.

Key Discussion Points: Trade and Immigration

The upcoming meeting follows a recent phone conversation between Modi and Trump, described as “productive” by both sides. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, immigration, and security. While Modi referred to Trump as his “dear friend”, the US President has previously praised Modi as a “great leader” while also criticizing India’s tariff policies, calling the country a “tariff king” and a “big abuser” of trade agreements.

India has already made some trade concessions in response to US concerns. Last week, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget included a reduction in duties on key American exports, including motorcycles with engine capacities below 1,600 cc—a move seen as an effort to ease trade tensions.

Immigration Issues Amid Deportation of Indians

Immigration is expected to be a major agenda item, following the recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals by the US on a military aircraft. The issue sparked a heated debate in the Indian Parliament, with opposition leaders condemning the “inhuman treatment” of deportees, who were reportedly restrained with handcuffs and leg chains.

Strengthening India-US Ties

PM Modi and President Trump shared a strong rapport during Trump’s first term, highlighted by the ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston and the ‘Namaste Trump’ rally in Ahmedabad during Trump’s visit to India. Their upcoming meeting is expected to build on this relationship while addressing key policy concerns between the two nations.