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MAGA + MIGA = MEGA: Modi's formula for Ind-US ties
The proposed "MEGA" partnership, Modi suggested, is a reflection of the deepening ties between the world's two largest democracies.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025 / Reuters/Kevin Lamarque
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a "MEGA" partnership for India-US relations, drawing inspiration from US President Donald Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again" (MAGA). At a joint press conference with Trump in Washington on Feb.13, Modi suggested that a developed India aligns with a similar vision: "Make India Great Again" or "MIGA”.
"In American terms, a developed India means 'Make India Great Again,' or 'MIGA,'" Modi said. "When America and India work together—'MAGA' plus 'MIGA'—it creates a 'MEGA' partnership for prosperity. And this MEGA spirit gives new scale and scope to our goals."
President Trump often talks about MAGA.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2025
In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in American context translates into MIGA.
And together, the India-USA have a MEGA partnership for prosperity!@POTUS @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/i7WzVrxKtv
The press conference followed a bilateral meeting between the two leaders, during which they discussed expanding economic cooperation and setting ambitious trade goals. Modi announced that India and the US have set a target of more than doubling their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
"We have set ourselves the target of more than doubling our bilateral trade to attain $500 billion by 2030. Our teams will work on concluding very soon a mutually beneficial trade agreement," he said.
Energy security also featured prominently in the discussions, with Modi emphasizing India's interest in enhancing trade in oil, gas, and nuclear energy. "In order to ensure India's energy security, we will focus on trade in oil and gas. Investment in energy infrastructure will also increase in the area of nuclear energy," he said, adding that the pact should be finalized "very soon."
Responding to Modi's remarks, Trump acknowledged the long-standing trade differences between the two nations and expressed willingness to initiate talks to address them.
"We'll begin negotiations to address the long-running disparities that should have been taken care of over the last four years," Trump said. He also reiterated his administration’s plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from various countries, including India.
Modi’s visit to Washington marked the fourth such visit by a world leader since Trump's return to the White House. The Indian Prime Minister also met with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk during the trip, discussing potential collaborations in technology and energy sectors.
The proposed "MEGA" partnership, Modi suggested, is a reflection of the deepening ties between the world's two largest democracies. "Our friendship today is the strongest it has ever been," he said.
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