Modi-Trump meeting on February 13; top points on proposed trip
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet United States President Donald Trump on February 13 after attending an artificial intelligence (AI) summit in France, Reuters reported, citing a White House official.
The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, will be held from February 10-11. US Vice President JD Vance will represent the US at the conference.
This will be PM Modi's first bilateral visit to the US since Trump started his second term on January 20.
Agenda
Modi-Trump meeting to focus on trade, defense cooperation
The new round of talks in Washington is expected to address several facets of the US-India relationship, such as trade and defense cooperation.
India seeks to bolster economic ties with the US and facilitate visa access for skilled workers.
To note, the US is India's biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $118 billion in 2023/24.
India also recorded a $32 billion trade surplus during this time.
Trade negotiations
US aims to reduce trade deficit with India
President Trump has shown interest in reducing the US trade deficit with India and had earlier threatened tariffs over India's high levies on US imports.
New Delhi has also been keen to engage on these issues and recently slashed customs duties on key items which may benefit US companies.
Both nations are also expected to discuss continued tech cooperation, greater military interoperability during PM Modi's visit.
Diplomatic engagements
Modi's US visit to include engagements with corporate leaders
Previously, Trump had stated that he discussed the subject of illegal immigration with Modi and that the Indian PM will "do the right thing."
In response, India stated that it will return all Indians who illegally entered the US and were properly identified as Indians.
PM Modi's visit will also see him interacting with American corporate leaders and community members.
President Trump is expected to host a dinner for PM Modi during his stay in Washington DC from February 12-14.