India and the US have made a huge leap forward in deepening their strategic partnership across major areas of engagement.
In the wake of extensive top-level talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Washington has indicated its intent to supply New Delhi with F-35 fighter aircraft, which is a historic milestone in military ties worth billions.
During their lengthy discussions, President Trump reaffirmed the "special bond" between the largest and oldest democracies in the world. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy, advanced technology, and global interconnectivity.
"From this year, sales of military equipment to India will be significantly boosted to billions of dollars," Trump said at a joint press briefing with Modi.
"We are also setting the stage to provide India with F-35 stealth fighters in the near future," he said.
Trump also announced a historic agreement in the energy field, making America a prime supplier of oil and natural gas to India.
On security issues, the US President pointed out the two nations' increased cooperation in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism everywhere.
"I am happy to report that my administration has authorized the extradition of a person who committed horrific crimes," Trump said, referring to the extradition of 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Rana to India.
In the area of trade, Trump reasserted his support for fair competition, saying that Washington desires balanced economic ties with India.
Referring to the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Trump stressed both countries' resolve to create one of the most important trade routes in history.
He further pointed out that India is revising its legal structure to open up the American nuclear technology for entry into its market.
Prime Minister Modi echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the India-US relationship has the potential to create a better world. He also announced plans to develop a new defense cooperation framework that will define military ties for the next decade.
Earlier, Trump had welcomed Modi at the White House with a warm hug and a firm handshake. Referring to Modi as a "longtime friend," the US President invited him to the Oval Office before beginning crucial talks.
Addressing the media, Trump hinted at future major trade agreements between India and the US.
"We are actively engaged with India, and soon we will announce significant trade agreements," he said.
Welcoming Trump on his re-election, Modi endorsed the development in India-US relations over the first term of Trump.
"I am sure that in your second tenure, we will even more expand our bilateral initiatives," Modi said.
"President Trump puts the interest of the United States first, as I also put the interest of India first," he added.
The two leaders also discussed the Russia-Ukraine war. Modi reasserted India's allegiance to peace and refuted allegations of neutrality in the war.
"I wholeheartedly endorse President Trump's attempts to bring peace to the conflict. India has never remained neutral; we have always remained committed to peace," he insisted.
"When I spoke with President Putin, I was very clear: 'This is not a time of war.' Solutions must be found only through dialogue, not on the battlefield," Modi clarified.
Prior to sitting with Trump, Prime Minister Modi also consulted with major US officials such as National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, businessman Elon Musk, and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy.
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