US President Donald Trump has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a working visit to the White House next week amid global trade tensions since he took charge last month. Trump has targeted Mexico, Canada and China with tariffs, a move seen as a key diplomatic tactic being weaponised by the US President elected for a second time.
A White House official confirmed to ‘The Hill’ that PM Modi will travel to Washington DC for a two-day visit after an invite just days after a recent phone call between the two leaders. The visit will be a crucial one for the two leaders, who are known to share a good rapport, and will be keenly watched for wider geopolitical implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
The announcement came as earlier in the day, the US Air Force plane carrying Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the US arrived in Amritsar, Punjab.
Earlier this week, a US Embassy spokesperson said that while specific details cannot be shared, the United States is vigorously enforcing its border and immigration laws. The spokesperson emphasised that the actions taken send a "clear message that illegal migration is not worth the risk."
Trump held a “productive” telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Modi soon after his inauguration at Capitol Hill, a statement by the White House said last month.
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According to a statement from the White House, the two leaders emphasised their commitment to advance the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership.
"Today, President Donald J. Trump held a productive call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The two leaders discussed expanding and deepening cooperation. They also discussed a range of regional issues, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. The President emphasised the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship."
The leaders also discussed plans for PM Modi's visit to the White House, and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year.
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"The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to advance the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year," the statement read.
During the call on January 27, Trump spoke about immigration and stressed the importance of India buying more American-made security equipment and fair bilateral trading ties.
(*With ANI Inputs)
