Wed Feb 12 04:56:39 UTC 2025: ## Modi’s White House Visit Signals Strengthened US-India Ties Amidst Trade Tensions
**Washington D.C., February 12, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the White House on February 13th marks a significant strengthening of US-India relations, according to Lisa Curtis, a former senior White House official. Modi will be the fourth foreign leader to meet with President Donald Trump since his inauguration, highlighting the Trump administration’s prioritization of the relationship.
Curtis, now a senior fellow at the Centre for a New American Security (CNAS), emphasized the Trump administration’s recognition of India’s potential to reshape the Indo-Pacific and its crucial role in countering China’s influence. She pointed to the early Quad ministerial meeting as evidence of this prioritization, emphasizing the shared goals of a free and open Indo-Pacific and reducing dependence on China.
While acknowledging existing trade friction, Curtis anticipates that both leaders will strive for a trade deal, though she expects less patience from President Trump this time around and higher expectations for Indian concessions. Despite this, she believes the strategic partnership will remain strong, mirroring the positive trajectory of the relationship during Trump’s first term.
The “China thread,” as Curtis described it, will underpin the discussions, with India’s role in countering Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific a key theme. This includes cooperation on technology, maritime security, and defense, areas crucial for India given its border disputes with China.
Ahead of the visit, VFS Global’s Head-Americas, Amit Kumar Sharma, expressed optimism about unprecedented growth in the US-India relationship across various sectors, driven by strong governmental and industrial engagement. Modi’s visit is seen as a key milestone in these joint efforts.
First Piper 