Trump administration focuses on strengthening ties with India ahead of Modi meeting

The Trump administration is focusing on strengthening ties with India, viewing it as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. This comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with President Trump on February 13, 2025. Former White House official Lisa Curtis noted that trade discussions will be crucial during the meeting, especially given recent tariff announcements. She highlighted that the U.S.-India relationship remains strong despite past trade frictions. Curtis emphasized that the U.S. sees India as vital in countering China's influence. The upcoming meeting is expected to address defense cooperation and strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, although specific mentions of China may not be included in the joint statement.