Counter terrorism, Defence cooperation on agenda during PM Modi, Prez Trump meet

There are big expectations from the first meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They are expected to set forth a vision to expand India US ties in an ambitious manner.
Common goals like fighting terrorism and expanding security cooperation in the Indo- Pacific region are likely to figure prominently as will India’s concerns over changes in H1B visa rules.
A close chemistry was always witnessed between PM Modi and former US President Barack Obama. Frequent meetings telephonic conversations were often seen during Obama’s tenure.

Infact, the two leaders met eight times and took Indo US ties to a new high and now comes a new President Donald Trump who has an unconventional style of functioning.

Though the relation between the two countries are still strong and to maintain this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Washington DC on the 25th and 26th of June following an invitation from US President Donald Trump.

The expectations are really high as this will be their first meeting. The meet comes within the first six months of the Trump administration assuming power. Both leaders will hold bilateral talks on the 26th of June.

The External Affairs Ministry in a statement said, their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of the multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the US.

The United States has said the meeting will expand the partnership between the two countries in an ambitious and worthy way, and that fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and security cooperation in the Indo Pacific region are shared priorities.

Bilateral issues such as India’s concerns on H-1B visa rules, and strengthening economic linkages such as industry, trade and reforms. Defense ties and security cooperation are likely to figure during the meeting.

PM Modi’s visit to America comes at a time when the US President has announced his country’s withdrawal from the historic Paris Climate Agreement, which had been signed by 190 countries, blaming India and China for the US withdrawal.

India on its part stands by the agreement and has said that the US withdrawal from the Paris Pact will not impact the climate deal.

This, and the International Solar Alliance of which the US is a part are also likely to be discussed.

H1B visa program has become a serious issue for India since trump took over.

India wants countries which support its NSG bid and have influence over China, to talk to Beijing.

India wants its NSG membership to be credential-based and not criteria-based. The US has been one of India’s strongest backers in the NSG.

Along with improving India’s ties with the nations he visits, PM Modi also builds a personal rapport with the leaders of these countries.

Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump have already had several phone conversations, and it is very likely that their relationship will grow from strength to strength after their first meeting.