PM Modi US visit: 1+1 = 11 – US and India teaming to create a MEGA partnership – The Times of India

By Naveen Aggarwal
1+1 =2. But when the US and India come together, the equation changes altogether. Perhaps, one can think of it as a geopolitical alchemy – the world’s two largest and greatest democracies coming together to create something exponentially larger than the sum of their parts. At the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, their conversations and camaraderie conveyed a larger message of what an enduring partnership in the true sense stands for – shared vision, ambition, ideals, and dreams of 1.7 billion+ people. As PM Modi arrived at the historic Blair House, across the street from the White House, it was decked with the Indian flag, signifying the respect and promise of this partnership.
In the context of several new alignments, some key themes emerging from this visit were:
A Vision for growth: Doubling trade, unleashing growth
Trade discussions were a crucial aspect of this visit and culminated in both nations launching Mission 500, a bold ambition of more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The two leaders have also agreed to negotiate the first tranche of a multisector bilateral trade agreement expected to come to fruition by fall of 2025, which will go a long way to eliminate barriers, expand markets, and propel innovation across industries. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services and digital commerce among others could be the first ones to feel the cascading effect of this deepening economic partnership.
Energy for the Future: From vision to reality
Energy was one of the prominent discussion items and both leaders took a transformative step: fully realizing the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, signed by the two nations 16 years back. Putting forward plans to work together for large scale localisation of nuclear reactors and probable technology transfers, can do wonders for India’s ambition of becoming a self-sufficient energy nation. Meanwhile, increasing oil and gas purchases from the US to $25 billion from $15 billion last year promises to fuel India’s ambitions for sustainable, swift development and ensure affordability, availability and stable energy markets.
Defending the future: Strength in unity
With both countries set to start discussions on a new 10-year Major Defense Partnership Framework, this marks a significant leap in defense ties. This will reinforce joint efforts around production, technology transfers, and interoperability, thereby safeguarding shared interests, global peace and security. Add to that, Trump’s offer of acquiring the F-35, the most advanced American military platform, underpins the mutual trust and respect these two nations hold with each other.
The TRUST initiative: Innovation without boundaries
The TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative was also announced, a platform for driving innovation across critical and emerging technologies such as defence, AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, energy, and space. This could help both countries put forward a roadmap to accelerate ecosystems, address barriers to technology transfer and create innovation hubs to help catalyze research and development across governments, academia, and private sector, promoting high-tech commerce.
Reaching for the stars: Expanding space cooperation
2025 was hailed by both leaders as a landmark year for US-India civil space cooperation. From long-duration human spaceflight to advanced satellite systems and space tourism, this partnership is deepening and extending beyond our realms. The shared collaboration for space exploration and sustainability could not only make India and the US global leaders but also signal the confidence both NASA and ISRO have in each other’s capabilities. What it could do at a larger level is push boundaries, and inspire new generations of technologists, dreamers, and entrepreneurs.
As India hosts the next QUAD summit, the platform will provide new opportunities to redefine regional security and economic collaboration. Initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the I2U2 partnership promise not just growth, but a stronger, more interconnected world.
But the heart of this partnership lies in its people. Students, professionals, tourists, and business leaders are the beating pulse of this dynamic relationship. Facilitating greater legal mobility, smoother travel, and more educational and professional exchanges will enrich lives and build lasting bridges. President Trump put it best when he declared, “Our relationship with India and Prime Minister Modi has never been better”, and our diaspora is perhaps the heartbeat of why that is.
Looking ahead, the next chapter of this partnership will be shaped by three key drivers. First, reducing the trade deficit: India must step up as a larger buyer of US goods and services to achieve a more balanced trade equation. Second, strategic areas like energy, defense, and innovation will play pivotal roles in both bilateral and regional equations. Finally, futuristic sectors such as space exploration, AI, and quantum computing will become critical leverage points for market supremacy and geopolitical influence. How will all this pan out? The answer lies in striking the right balance between strategic autonomy and strategic diplomacy—or as some might refer to it, playing the “Trump card.”
Together, India and the US are proving that 1+1 doesn’t just equal 2 it equals endless possibilities. This partnership isn’t just about today, it’s about building a future that’s brighter, more resilient, and more prosperous for generations to come. In totality, a MEGA partnership!
(The author is Office Managing Partner – Delhi NCR and US India Corridor Leader, KPMG in India)