India, US to Reinforce Relations with 'Greater Speed', PM Modi Declares

By siliconindia  |  Friday, 14 February 2025, 09:34:30 AM IST

India, US to Reinforce Relations with 'Greater Speed', PM Modi Declares
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated U.S. President Donald Trump for his 'immense personal effort' in accelerating India-U.S. ties in his first term in office. He reiterated that the two countries would now do so with 'greater speed' in order to further their strategic partnership in Trump's second term.
Meeting for the first time since Trump’s return to the White House, the two leaders displayed warmth and camaraderie. 'You have been my friend for a long time', Trump said, calling Modi a 'great friend'. Modi, in turn, acknowledged Trump’s role in deepening ties, stating, “You’ve made an immense personal contribution toward strengthening our relations, making them more comprehensive, and achieving unprecedented heights”.
The Prime Minister highlighted their mutual commitment to national interests. "One thing which I deeply respect, and which I have learnt from President Trump, is that he keeps the national interest paramount. Like him, I too keep India's national interest paramount", he added.
Detailing their agenda, Trump emphasized energy cooperation and trade as major points of discussion. "They're going to be buying a lot of our oil and gas. We have more oil and gas than any other nation in the world by far, and they need it, and we have it. We're going to discuss trade, we're going to discuss many things", Trump stated.
Top American officials, in a press briefing prior to the meeting, disclosed that the two countries would restart negotiations for a trade agreement, targeting its completion by 2025. The two also discussed defense, technology, and regional security.
Modi extended his warm congratulations to Trump on behalf of 140 crore people of India and was upbeat about collaborating for the next four years. "Indian people have provided me with a chance to be the Prime Minister for the third time. During this term, I have the chance to work with President Trump again, and it is wonderful", he stated. Looking back on their previous working relationship, he further said, "Based on my experience of working with you during your first term, I can assure that we will continue to strengthen the India-U.S" strategic alliance with the same bonding, trust, and enthusiasm. 
The two leaders also brought back memories of earlier public events, such as the Howdy Modi event at Houston and Namaste Trump in Ahmedabad. Modi remembered Trump's visit to India in 2020 and their historic rally at the world's largest cricket stadium. "Since the moment I stepped into this room, my friend brought back memories of Ahmedabad and the cricket ground where we organized a large rally", he stated. "The activities we organized still echo in India and the entire globe".
With renewed determination and a close personal relationship, Modi and Trump reiterated their commitment to taking India-U.S. ties to new levels. Their conversation highlighted a common vision for intensifying economic, strategic, and cultural engagement between the two democracies.

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