Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump forge closer ties in White House talks

The relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been marked by strong personal camaraderie and strategic alignment. Their shared vision for strengthening bilateral ties has shaped key developments in trade, defense, and global diplomacy. As Trump eyes another term in office, the dynamics of this partnership continue to hold significant geopolitical implications.

The US president, Donald Trump, said he found a “special bond” with India’s prime minister Narendra Modi as both leaders met in Washington last week to begin talks on an early trade deal and resolve their standoff over tariffs.

New Delhi has also promised to buy more US oil and gas and military equipment, as well as fight illegal immigration, as Modi became only the fourth world leader to visit the White House since Trump’s return to power.

D Dhanuraj, Founder-Chairman of Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), in speaking to Eastern Eye on the topic, shared that while he believes Modi’s US visit has helped India “strike a good note” with the Trump administration, the future of the relationship will depend on how both sides build on this momentum.

“India has already taken steps in its annual budget to signal to the administration that the government is ready to engage on issues such as tariffs by reducing import duties on US goods. It seems India was well prepared and had done its homework for the meeting. By agreeing to purchase gas and nuclear modular reactors, the government has demonstrated its willingness for transactional engagements,”

Dhanuraj is quoted as saying.

“India has relied on the strength of institutional and bilateral ties between the two countries rather than becoming overly emotional about sensitive issues. The meetings concluded on a positive note, with strong media engagement by the prime minister,” he continued.

Read the full article by Eastern Eye here.

Views expressed by the author are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of the Centre for Public Policy Research.