Modi to visit White House next week at Trump's invitation

KATHMANDU: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the White House next week at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, according to a White House official, Reuters reported.

The invitation follows a recent phone call between the two leaders on January 27, during which they reiterated their commitment to advancing the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership.

During their conversation, Trump had discussed immigration issues and emphasised the importance of India increasing its purchases of American-made security equipment and establishing fair bilateral trading ties.

"The two leaders discussed expanding and deepening cooperation. They also addressed a range of regional issues, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe," stated the White House following the phone call.

Trump stressed the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving towards a fair bilateral trading relationship.

They also discussed plans for Modi's visit to the White House and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India set to host Quad Leaders for the first time later this year.

"The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations. Both leaders emphasised their commitment to advance the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year," the statement read.

The two countries share a significant trade relationship, with bilateral trade exceeding $118 billion in 2023-24 and India posting a trade surplus of $32 billion, according to Reuters.

As a strategic partner of the United States in efforts to counter China, India is keen to enhance trade relations with the US and make it easier for its citizens to obtain skilled worker visas.

Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his re-election. He also held a telephone conversation with him on  November 6, congratulating him on his re-election as President of the United States and the Republican Party's success in the Congressional elections.

Modi and Trump share warm and friendly relations, with their camaraderie having brought India and the US together on various global issues.

The visit comes just hours after a US military plane departed with migrants to be deported to India, marking the furthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration, as reported by Reuters.

India is also keen to avoid tariffs that Trump has previously threatened, citing India's high tariffs on US products, according to Reuters.