PM Modi proposes MEGA India-US partnership in talks with US President Donald Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the India-US bilateral trade would be doubled to more than $500 billion by 2030, India would purchase more oil and gas from the US, as well as strengthen defence cooperation, as he held bilateral talks with President Donald Trump in the White House.

In his press remarks on Thursday, after holding the talks, PM Modi said the two sides would form a MEGA Partnership for Prosperity by working together, playing on the MAGA – or Make America Great Again slogan.

“Americans are familiar with President Trump's motto, Make America Great Again, or "MAGA." The people of India are also moving towards development at a fast pace with the determination of "Viksit Bharat 2047” on the track of heritage and development.

“If I say in the language of America, developed India means Make India Great Again, i.e. "MIGA". When the United States and India work together, i.e. "MAGA" plus "MIGA", the "MEGA" Partnership for prosperity is formed. And this mega spirit gives new scale and scope to our goals.” he said.

He said the two sides have set a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030 and both their teams would work on an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.

“We will strengthen the oil and gas trade to ensure India's energy security. Investment in energy infrastructure will also increase.”

In the field of civil nuclear energy, the two leaders talked about increasing cooperation in the direction of Small Modular Reactors, the PM said.

On defence relations, he said the two sides are “actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology”.

“In the coming time, new technology and equipment will increase our capability. We have decided to launch the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance.

“The Defence Cooperation Framework will be created for the next decade. Defence inter-operability, logistics, repair and maintenance will also be its main parts,” he added.

On cooperation in the technology sector, he said that India and the United States will work together in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Quantum, Biotechnology, and other technologies.

“Today we have agreed on TRUST, i.e. Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology. Under this, emphasis will be laid on creating strong supply chains of critical minerals, advanced materials and pharmaceuticals. It has also been decided to launch a recovery and processing initiative for strategic minerals like lithium and rare earth.”

“We have had close cooperation with the US in the field of space. The "NISAR" satellite, built in collaboration with "ISRO" and "NASA", will soon fly into space on the Indian launch vehicle,” he added.

PM Modi said the two sides will work together to enhance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad will have a special role to play in this.

On the Quad, he said during the Summit to be held in India this year, the four nation bloc will increase cooperation with partner countries in new areas.

He said under the "IMEC" - India-Middle East-Europe Corridor - and "I2U2" India-Israel-US-UAE - initiative, the two sides will work together on economic corridors and connectivity infrastructure.

“India and the United States have stood firmly together in the fight against terrorism. We agree that concerted action is necessary to eradicate cross-border terrorism.”

He thanked President Trump for deciding to hand over “the culprit who committed the killings in India in 2008, to India now. Indian courts will now take appropriate action”, in reference to Tahawwur Rana, who is set to be extradited to India.

He also said that India will soon open new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston and that India has invited American universities and educational institutions to open off-shore campuses in India.

He thanked President Trump for his friendship and steadfast commitment to India. “The people of India still remember your visit of 2020, and hope that President Trump will come to them once again.”

He invited President Trump to visit India.“On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I invite you to come to India.”

Earlier in his address, the PM thanked President Trump for the gracious welcome and hospitality. “Through his leadership, President Trump has cherished and revitalized the India-US relationship.”

“The enthusiasm with which we worked together in his first term; I felt the same enthusiasm, the same energy and the same commitment today,” the PM added.

“Today's discussions were a bridge of satisfaction with our achievements during his first term and deep mutual trust. At the same time, there was also a resolve to achieve new goals. We believe that the collaboration and cooperation between India and America can shape a better world,” the PM said.(UNI)