New Delhi, February 10, 2023 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during an official visit to Washington next week, India’s foreign ministry announced on Friday. The two-day visit, scheduled for February 12-13, marks one of the first high-level engagements between the Trump administration and a foreign leader since the U.S. president’s inauguration last month.
Vikram Misri, India’s top career diplomat, confirmed the meeting during a press briefing, stating that Modi’s visit underscores the strong partnership between the two nations. “The visit will be a valuable opportunity to engage the new administration on all areas of mutual interest,” Misri said. He added that Modi and Trump will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss key issues, including trade, defense, and regional security.
Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump following his inauguration in January, referring to the U.S. president as a “dear friend” on social media platform X. “I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world,” Modi wrote at the time.
However, the relationship between the two leaders has not been without its challenges. During a phone call last month, Trump reportedly pressed Modi for “fair” trading ties, reflecting the U.S. president’s broader push to renegotiate trade agreements with key partners. Despite these tensions, both leaders have emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas such as technology, counter-terrorism, and defense.
The two leaders also discussed bolstering the Quad grouping, a strategic alliance involving the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. The Quad is widely viewed as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India is set to host the Quad leaders later this year, further solidifying its role in the alliance.
Modi and Trump share a history of warm personal rapport. During Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021, Modi visited the White House twice, in 2017 and 2019. Trump, in turn, was hosted by Modi at a massive rally in Gujarat, the Indian leader’s home state, and reciprocated with a similar event in Houston, Texas.
Despite their close relationship, the two leaders were unable to finalize a long-sought U.S.-India trade deal during Trump’s first term. Misri acknowledged this but emphasized the broader alignment of interests between the two nations. “There is an obvious convergence of interests between the two countries,” he said, citing trade, investment, technology, and regional security as key areas of collaboration.
As Modi prepares for his upcoming visit, analysts will be watching closely to see whether the two leaders can translate their personal chemistry into tangible progress on issues of mutual concern. The meeting comes at a critical time, with both nations seeking to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape.
