India-U.S. Trade and Bilateral Relations
India and the U.S. have agreed to negotiate the first phase of a trade agreement by autumn 2025, aiming to address U.S. trade deficit concerns by increasing India's energy purchases from the U.S.
- The goal is to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, as part of ‘Mission 500’.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump discussed various aspects including defense, trade, energy, and technology cooperation.
Trade and Energy
- The U.S. administration has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
- There’s a potential increase in India's energy purchases from the U.S. from $15 billion to $25 billion soon.
- The U.S. will enhance military sales to India, offering advanced platforms like the F-35 fighter jet.
Defense and Technology Cooperation
- The two nations will work on Small Modular (nuclear) Reactors for India.
- They plan to fully operationalize the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement and build U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India.
- The 'Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology' (TRUST) initiative will replace the previous ICET framework.
Multilateral Cooperation and Mobility
- The U.S. supports India's full membership in the International Energy Agency.
- In multilateral cooperation, reaffirmation of the Quad and plans to convene partners of IMEC and I2U2 were announced.
- The leaders agreed to streamline legal mobility for students, professionals, and business travelers.
Human Trafficking and Immigration
- India is ready to repatriate verified illegal immigrants from the U.S., with efforts focused on combating human trafficking.
- Recent deportations from the U.S. have drawn criticism due to their conditions.
