Priyanka Tiwari
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Modi Introduces a New Formula for India-US Partnership
After his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a fresh approach to strengthening India-US relations. This marked the first meeting between Modi and President Donald Trump since Trump’s return to the White House.
During the meeting, Trump presented his book, Our Journey Together, to PM Modi. The book includes several iconic photographs from Trump’s visit to India. On the first page, Trump wrote a personal message for Modi: "Mr. Prime Minister, you are great."
In response, Modi introduced a new formula for India-US relations. Drawing inspiration from Trump’s campaign slogan, Make America Great Again (MAGA), Modi emphasized India's vision of a developed nation. He coined the phrase MIGA (Make India Great Again), highlighting India's commitment to progress. Modi then introduced the equation:
MAGA + MIGA = MEGA (Mega Partnership for India-US Prosperity).
Modi’s Stand on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
During the discussions, PM Modi clearly stated India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized India's commitment to peace. This statement came after Trump’s recent phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Major Announcements from Trump
President Trump made several key announcements that could significantly impact India-US relations:
Extradition of Tahawwur Rana: The US has cleared the path for the extradition of Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India. Currently, Rana is in a high-security American prison.
F-35 Fighter Jet Sale: Trump announced that the US would sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India, enhancing India's defense capabilities.
Trade Target of $500 Billion: PM Modi revealed that India and the US aim to reach $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Both nations will collaborate to finalize a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
A Warm Welcome and Rekindling Old Ties
This meeting marked the first interaction between Modi and Trump after five years. Upon greeting Modi at the White House, Trump expressed, "We missed you very much." In response, PM Modi warmly hugged Trump and said, "It's great to meet you again."
Reflecting on their past meetings, Trump praised Modi as a "special person" and recalled the grand welcome he received in India in 2020. He described the "Namaste Trump" rally in Ahmedabad as "tremendous."
PM Modi, in turn, thanked Trump for the warm hospitality. He remembered their last meeting in February 2020, during Trump’s visit to India, where over 129,000 people attended the "Namaste Trump" rally. Modi also recalled their joint appearance at the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston in 2019, where a crowd of 50,000 Indian Americans welcomed them.
During this meeting, Trump introduced PM Modi to his cabinet members and top officials, including Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk had already met Modi earlier in the day and greeted him again.
The meeting concluded with Trump officially welcoming PM Modi in the West Wing lobby at the White House, setting the stage for deeper cooperation between India and the US.
