Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day working visit to the United States starting February 12, where he will meet President Donald Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday.
During a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the visit will further strengthen and guide the bilateral relationship between India and the U.S.
This trip follows an invitation extended by Trump and comes shortly after he began his second term in the White House.
The visit also takes place amid growing criticism of the Indian government's handling of the deportation of 104 Indian immigrants by the U.S. this week, part of Trump’s broader immigration policies.
On January 27, Trump had a conversation with Modi, where they discussed immigration issues and highlighted the need for India to increase its purchases of American-made security equipment, as well as promote equitable trade relations between the two nations.
India, a key strategic ally of the U.S. in efforts to counter China's influence, is focused on boosting trade relations and facilitating easier access to skilled worker visas for its citizens. India also seeks to avoid tariffs previously threatened by Trump in response to India’s high tariffs on U.S. goods.
Before his visit to the U.S., Modi will be in France from February 10-12, where he will co-chair the AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
Additionally, Modi is scheduled to visit Cadarache, the location of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, where India is a partner, Misri added.