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"Trump should cooperate, not antagonize Modi”, says Rep. Thanedar

The Indian American Congressman has encouraged stronger US-India relations ahead of Modi’s visit to Washington.

PM Modi with Rep. Shri Thanedar. / X/RepShriThanedar

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Washington on Feb.12  to discuss U.S.-India relations, Congressman Shri Thanedar expressed hope that President Donald Trump would cooperate with Modi rather than strain ties with “one of America's closest allies”.

" I hope that Trump will cooperate with, rather than antagonize, one of our closest allies," Thanedar said. "Tariffs and trade wars drive wedges between us and our allies and harm our position as the leader of the free world."



Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump are set to meet on Feb.12 in Washington, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This will be Modi’s first bilateral visit to the US since Trump was sworn in for his second term.

In a statement released on Feb.11, Rep. Thanedar reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening U.S.-India ties and stressed the importance of economic and security cooperation, as well as advocating for immigration reforms. "The relationship between the U.S. and India is stronger than ever, and Prime Minister Modi’s visit highlights the critical importance of our partnership to both our countries and the world," he said. "By working together, we can counter regional threats, expand economic opportunities, and promote innovation that benefits us all."

The Congressman pointed to China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific as a key concern. "We must remain vigilant against intimidation in the region. Strengthening our defense and technological collaboration with India is essential to maintaining peace and security," he stated.

On immigration, Thanedar criticized the Trump administration's handling of deportations. "While the Biden administration was also responsible for the deportation of migrants to India, they did so on commercial or chartered airlines, while the Trump administration is sending them back in chains on military aircraft," he said. "The United States must treat returning migrants with dignity and respect while also modernizing our immigration system to be fair, efficient, and just."

Trade was another focal point in his statement, with Thanedar arguing that tariffs imposed under Trump’s presidency had negatively impacted American consumers and businesses. "Tariffs that drive up costs for working families must be reassessed. We need fair and balanced trade policies that protect American jobs while fostering economic cooperation with India," he emphasized.

Looking ahead, Thanedar called for deeper collaboration between the U.S. and India in defense, technology, and energy. "By expanding our cooperation in these key sectors, we can drive economic growth, strengthen security, and build a future that uplifts communities in both countries," he said.

Congressman Thanedar represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, covering Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. A strong advocate for working families, he continues to push for economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship, particularly for underserved communities.

 

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