Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first phone conversation following Trump’s second-term inauguration. Modi congratulated Trump and reaffirmed India’s commitment to a “mutually beneficial and trusted partnership” with the United States, highlighting the importance of collaboration for economic growth, security, and global stability.
The call emphasized the deepening trade relations between the two countries. The U.S. remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $118 billion in 2023-24, and India maintaining a $32 billion trade surplus. Both leaders acknowledged the need to further enhance trade partnerships, with India particularly interested in expanding access to U.S. markets and securing more opportunities for skilled workers. As part of its long-term strategy, India is pushing for increased U.S. investment, especially in sectors like technology, defense, and infrastructure.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to arrange an early meeting between Modi and Trump, with February being considered as a possible timeframe. This anticipated meeting is expected to set the agenda for strengthening strategic ties, particularly in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s role as a strategic partner aligns with U.S. interests, making cooperation on defense and regional security a key aspect of future discussions.
One of the most pressing issues addressed in the call was immigration policy. Trump’s administration has taken a tough stance on illegal immigration and is focusing on reforming visa policies, particularly the H1-B visa program, which affects thousands of skilled Indian workers. India, as a major contributor to the U.S. workforce, has consistently sought more favorable visa policies for its professionals. However, Trump’s immigration policies could present challenges, with stricter regulations potentially impacting Indian nationals seeking employment in the U.S.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated that India is prepared to take back undocumented citizens residing in the U.S. He emphasized that while India seeks greater global mobility for its skilled workforce, it firmly opposes illegal migration. The Trump administration, in turn, has shown interest in collaborating with India on addressing irregular migration issues while continuing to strengthen economic ties.
The growing Indian diaspora in the United States remains a significant factor in shaping bilateral relations. The most recent U.S. census indicated that the Indian-origin population had grown by 50% in the past decade, reaching 4.8 million. Additionally, Indian students form a large segment of international students in the U.S., contributing significantly to the economy. Given these figures, policies on student visas and employment opportunities for Indian professionals will be crucial discussion points in upcoming diplomatic engagements.
The Modi-Trump conversation reflects the broader trajectory of India-U.S. relations, which have seen consistent growth over the past two decades. Both nations have moved beyond traditional diplomatic exchanges, engaging in comprehensive partnerships spanning trade, technology, security, and global governance. The call also signals India’s willingness to work closely with the Trump administration to navigate potential challenges, including trade disputes and immigration policies, while continuing to build a strong economic and strategic alliance.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the world will closely watch how Modi and Trump navigate key policy issues, ensuring that the India-U.S. relationship remains robust, pragmatic, and beneficial for both nations.