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Modi-Trump meeting to strengthen India-US ties: Indian American leaders
At the invitation of President Trump, 78, Prime Minister Modi, 74, will embark on an official working visit to the United States on Feb. 12 and 13.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak during the welcoming ceremony, as Trump arrives at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India February 24, 2020. / REUTERS/Al Drago/ File Photo
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to meet President Donald Trump at the White House next week, prominent Indian Americans have expressed optimism that the two leaders will further solidify India-US relations and outline a roadmap for the strategic partnership over the next four years.
At the invitation of President Trump, 78, Prime Minister Modi, 74, will embark on an official working visit to the United States on Feb. 12 and 13. This marks Modi’s first trip to the US since Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Dr. Bharat Barai, a distinguished Indian American based in Chicago, noted that the two leaders share a strong personal rapport, which blossomed during Trump’s first term. “They will consolidate their good relationship and exchange views on a range of issues,” Dr. Barai said. He added that this bilateral summit, taking place less than 30 days after the presidential inauguration, will set the stage for elevating the partnership to new heights.
Echoing this sentiment, Silicon Valley investor and Indiaspora leader M.R. Rangaswami highlighted the upward trajectory of India-US relations. “The relationship has been on a 45-degree upward slope. With any US president and any Indian prime minister, this bond can only grow stronger,” he said.
Rangaswami also emphasized the significance of Modi being among the first global leaders invited by Trump for a bilateral meeting. “This reflects the importance the US attaches to its ties with India. Overall, I’m very positive and optimistic that this meeting will further strengthen the relationship,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that challenges may arise. “Like any marriage, there will be bumps along the way. But the fact is, both countries are committed to this partnership,” Rangaswami said. He cited the recent deportation of undocumented immigrants as an example of the maturing relationship, where both nations can address such issues constructively.
Dr. Barai anticipates that the deportation of undocumented Indian nationals will be discussed during the meeting. “No country can retain illegal immigrants, whether they are from India, Mexico, or elsewhere. I’m confident they will work out a better arrangement for handling such cases,” he said.
Beyond immigration, Dr. Barai stressed the need to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas such as defense, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and commerce. “This visit will hopefully consolidate the strong working relationship between the two nations,” he added.
Amit Kumar Sharma, head of Americas at VFS Global, predicted unprecedented growth in US-India ties, particularly in business, trade, leisure, and spiritual travel. “Businesses are eager to collaborate, driven by a shared vision for sustainable growth. This is the result of consistent, high-level engagement between governments and industries,” he said.
Sharma described Modi’s visit as a pivotal moment in these joint efforts. “Looking ahead, we can expect an even more dynamic US-India corridor by 2025 and beyond,” he said.
As the two leaders prepare to meet, the Indian American community remains hopeful that the Modi-Trump summit will not only reinforce existing ties but also chart a course for a stronger, more collaborative future between the two democracies.
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