United States – India Joint Leaders Statement

Sub: IR

Sec: India and World

Context:

On February 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC.
The visit marked the strengthening of the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, built on shared values like democracy, rule of law, human rights, and pluralism.

Major Developments:

Launch of the U.S.-India COMPACT:

The visit saw the launch of the “U.S.-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century.
This initiative aims to drive transformative change across key areas of cooperation between the two nations.
The partnership is designed to be results-driven, with an emphasis on achieving tangible outcomes within the year.

Defence and Military Cooperation

Major Defence Partnership: A new 10-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership is planned to be signed this year. This will deepen strategic defence ties.
Defence Sales and Co-Production: India’s defence inventory will expand with new U.S. procurements such as “Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and “Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles. A deal for six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also enhance India’s maritime security.
Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA): A new initiative focused on co-developing advanced autonomous technologies, such as AI-enabled systems for maritime and defence applications.
Military Exercises: The leaders pledged to elevate military cooperation through expanded training, exercises, and operations across all domains including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. The upcoming “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise will be expanded in scale and complexity.

Trade and Investment:

Mission 500: A new goal to more than double bilateral trade between the U.S. and India to $500 billion by 2030.
Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA): Negotiations for a multi-sector trade agreement will begin by fall 2025, focusing on market access, reducing tariffs, and strengthening supply chains.
Indian Investments in the U.S.: Ongoing investments, such as $7.35 billion from Indian companies, are expected to create over 3,000 jobs in sectors like steel manufacturing, battery materials, and pharmaceuticals.

Energy Security:

Energy Cooperation: Both countries emphasized energy security as crucial for economic growth and innovation. They agreed to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.
Nuclear Collaboration: Plans to move forward with U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India, including large-scale localization and technology transfer under the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement.

Technology and Innovation

TRUST Initiative: Launched to foster collaboration in critical technologies like AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, and biotechnology. A roadmap for AI infrastructure development in India will be presented by year-end.
INDUS Innovation Bridge: A new innovation platform to support U.S.-India partnerships in space, energy, and emerging technologies, aiming to maintain leadership in global innovation.
Critical Minerals Cooperation: Both nations will collaborate in the exploration, processing, and recycling of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earths.

Multilateral Cooperation:

Indo-Pacific Strategy: The U.S.-India partnership is central to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to Quad initiatives, which promote regional security and economic growth.
Indian Ocean Strategic Venture: A new bilateral forum aimed at enhancing economic connectivity and commercial investments in the Indian Ocean region, supported by initiatives like Meta’s undersea cable project.
Counter-Terrorism: Both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism, including a commitment to bring terrorists to justice, such as the extradition of Tahawwur Rana.

People-to-People Ties:

Educational Collaboration: Both leaders emphasized the importance of academic exchange, supporting joint degree programs, Centres of Excellence, and offshore campuses in India. More than 300,000 Indian students contribute $8 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Mobility and Security: Both countries committed to improving legal mobility, streamlining student and professional visas, and addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking through stronger law enforcement.