Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to visit the US on February 13 for an official working visit. He will be only the third foreign leader welcomed at the White House since President Trump took office in January 2025. This visit marks an early engagement for Modi, highlighting the strengthening ties between India and the US in recent years.
Modi’s trip comes as Trump, now in his second term, seeks to reshape various global frameworks and trade relationships. These changes could impact India significantly. It will be fascinating to see how India navigates these challenges and upholds its crucial partnership with the US.
Recent political tensions have arisen in India following the deportation of 104 illegal Indian migrants from the US. Their deportation drew public backlash due to the manner in which it was conducted, prompting the Indian government to assure families that it would advocate for more dignified deportation practices in the future.
Trade issues will be a primary focus during Modi’s visit. Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on goods from India, claiming the US faces unfair tariffs from other countries. He has labeled India a “tariff king,” expressing dissatisfaction with trade balances, particularly with Indian exports like textiles and pharmaceuticals. In response, India has recently reduced import duties on certain motorcycles, a move likely aimed at easing tensions before Modi’s visit.
Another vital topic involves the Chabahar port in Iran. The US has reimposed strict sanctions that could jeopardize India’s investment in the port, which has previously been exempt from sanctions due to its strategic significance for India. India signed a ten-year agreement to manage the port, and losing that exemption could pose serious challenges to its plans there.
Additionally, India’s approach to Afghanistan will be scrutinized. Recent discussions between Indian officials and Taliban representatives suggest a willingness to revisit ties. However, the US’s stance on Afghanistan remains uncertain. Trump has linked future US aid to the return of military equipment, which the Taliban has rejected.
India’s position on the ongoing conflict in Gaza is also crucial. The US’s aggressive statements raising concerns about US foreign policy may affect India’s longstanding support for Palestinian independence. If this trend continues, it could reshape international norms and have broader implications for territorial disputes elsewhere.
The Trump administration’s withdrawals from international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council, reflect a shift in US global engagement that could impact India. Additionally, concerns about environmental policies are rising, especially regarding US withdrawal from global climate agreements, which clashes with India’s commitment to climate action.
On defense, partnerships have deepened with major purchases from the US, such as helicopters and artillery. However, questions remain over whether India will lean towards American fighter jets or maintain its diverse procurement strategy from other nations, including Russia, which may complicate future interactions.
Ultimately, Modi’s upcoming visit symbolizes India’s importance to the US. However, it also presents challenges as India must balance its principles with the realities of global politics. How India navigates this landscape will likely become clearer after the visit.
Col Rajeev Agarwal is a Foreign Policy Expert and a Senior Research Consultant at Chintan Research Foundation, New Delhi.
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