Modi wraps up productive US visit focused on trade and defense cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed a 36-hour visit to the US, marking his first meeting with President Donald Trump since Trump's second inauguration. The two leaders discussed enhancing trade, defense, and counter-terrorism cooperation, aiming to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. A key outcome of the visit includes the commitment to negotiate a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement by fall 2025. Modi also secured a deal for the US to provide F-35 fighter jets to India, a significant advancement in defense ties. Additionally, the US approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, highlighting a strengthened partnership in counter-terrorism. The leaders also addressed regional issues, with Trump expressing support for India's stance on Bangladesh.