It was a private phone call in 2018, one of many between two leaders, but this one had an unusual twist. Donald Trump, never one to shy away from grand statements, leaned into his characteristic flamboyance as he told Narendra Modi:
“You are like Elvis Presley in India.”
There was a pause. Modi, known for his carefully measured responses, let the comparison sink in. Presley, the king of rock and roll, a cultural icon in America. It was an odd but unmistakably Trumpian compliment, meant to underline Modi’s immense popularity back home. Modi simply chuckled and responded with his signature humility, thanking Trump for his words without fully committing to the analogy.
Over the years, Trump frequently referred to Modi as “a great friend”, someone he “loved working with.” This personal camaraderie reached its peak when Trump, during a press briefing in 2019, took it a step further and declared Modi to be “the father of India.”
For his part, Modi did not correct the US President. Instead, he smiled, as he often did in moments where others might falter. He understood the game Trump played, one of grand declarations and dramatic optics. And so, the “best friends” narrative continued, crafted as much by political necessity as by personal chemistry.
There was an interruption though, after Joe Biden took over from Trump while Modi continued in India but the eyes were back on this camaraderie when Trump regained his presidency. PM Modi’s recent visit to the United States signified more than just a routine diplomatic engagement. It was a carefully choreographed strategic move that cemented India’s role as a critical player in global geopolitics while strengthening its defence and economic ties with Washington. It was also reflected in the interactions shared by PM Modi and President Trump.
India’s growing influence is undeniable. As the fifth-largest economy, a rising military power, and a crucial stakeholder in global security, India’s foreign policy choices reverberate far beyond South Asia. This visit showed India’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the US, while still maintaining its strategic autonomy.
Historical Context: India-US Defence Ties
For decades, India and the US shared an uneasy relationship in defence cooperation. During the Cold War, India’s strong ties with the Soviet Union meant that its military procurement was heavily reliant on Russian hardware. US sanctions following India’s nuclear tests in 1998 further strained relations. However, the 21st century witnessed a dramatic shift.
The 2005 India-US Defence Framework Agreement laid the foundation for robust military collaboration, paving the way for high-end technology transfers and joint defence production. The 2016 Major Defence Partner designation elevated India’s status, granting it access to cutting-edge US military technology. Subsequent agreements, such as the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), further enhanced interoperability between the two militaries.
F-35 Deal: A Game-Changer or a Distant Possibility?
One of the most debated topics during Modi’s visit was the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to India. If this deal materialises, it will mark a historic shift in India’s defence acquisitions, as it would be the first time New Delhi procures US stealth technology.
However, this deal is riddled with complexities. Integrating F-35s into the Indian Air Force (IAF) would require overhauling India’s operational doctrines, given its reliance on Russian Su-30MKIs and French Rafales. Moreover, procuring F-35s could strain India-Russia relations, especially considering India’s existing purchase of S-400 air defence systems from Moscow.
The cost factor too, looms large. The F-35 is among the most expensive fighter jets in the world, and India is already committed to its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The most realistic scenario could involve India procuring F-18 Super Hornets for its naval fleet rather than F-35s for the air force. However, that too seems distant with Rafale-Ms already in the pipeline now.
Maritime Security and the Indo-Pacific Strategy
Maritime security featured prominently in discussions, particularly concerning China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. As part of the Quad alliance—comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia—India is seen as a key player in ensuring regional stability.
During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. India’s navy has been ramping up its cooperation with the US through joint exercises such as Malabar, RIMPAC, and Tiger Triumph. The discussions also hinted at expanded cooperation in anti-submarine warfare and intelligence sharing.
The growing US-India naval collaboration aligns with Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to counter China’s maritime ambitions. Beijing has increasingly deployed warships in the Indian Ocean under the guise of anti-piracy operations, prompting India to bolster its Andaman and Nicobar Command as a strategic outpost.
Defence Manufacturing: India’s Push for Self-Reliance
India’s defence policy is undergoing a transformation, shifting from arms dependency to indigenous production. The Make in India initiative aims to establish India as a defence manufacturing hub, reducing reliance on imports.
A major outcome of Modi’s visit was an agreement for joint production of GE-414 jet engines in India. This is a significant step in boosting India’s domestic defence capabilities. Unlike past purchases where India merely imported US equipment, the focus now is on technology transfer and local assembly.
However, the challenge remains in balancing foreign procurement with self-reliance. India’s past reliance on the Russian defence ecosystem makes the transition complex. The key will be ensuring that collaborations with the US do not come at the expense of strategic autonomy.
Geopolitical Balancing: India’s Russia-Ukraine Stance
One of the biggest geopolitical tightropes India has had to walk is its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. While the US has sought global condemnation of Moscow, India has maintained strategic neutrality, continuing to import Russian oil and weapons.
The visit saw discussions on India’s role in conflict resolution, but Washington refrained from pressuring New Delhi too aggressively. The US understands that India-Russia ties run deep, and any attempt to force alignment could be counterproductive. Instead, Washington is taking a pragmatic approach, strengthening ties with India without demanding a total break from Moscow.
China’s Response: Reading Between the Lines
China’s reaction to Modi’s visit was measured but unmistakably cautious. Beijing reiterated that bilateral relationships should not target third-party nations, a clear reference to US-India defence ties.
China views India’s deepening cooperation with the US as a potential challenge to its regional influence. India, however, has been careful to maintain its strategic autonomy, ensuring that it does not become part of a direct anti-China bloc.
Modi’s visit reaffirmed India’s bilateral stance on China, refusing to let external powers dictate its regional policies. While the Quad remains a major factor in countering China, India continues bilateral engagement with Beijing, keeping multiple options open.
Energy and Economic Diplomacy
Beyond defence, the visit also had significant economic and energy-related takeaways. The “Mission 500” trade goal, aimed at increasing US-India trade to $500 billion by 2030, was a major highlight.
One of the most critical agreements was energy security. The US has become a leading supplier of crude oil and LNG to India, reducing New Delhi’s reliance on the volatile Middle East. This diversification of energy sources is crucial for India’s long-term economic stability.
Additionally, both leaders discussed semiconductor manufacturing and AI collaboration, areas where India seeks to position itself as a global hub. The US-backed TRUST initiative for critical minerals will provide India with access to resources vital for future technologies.
Human Rights and Immigration: The Political Undercurrents
While largely focused on strategic issues, the visit also touched upon human rights concerns, though in a subdued manner. Sections of the US media and political circles raised issues related to press freedom and minority rights in India. However, the Trump administration prioritised strategic interests over ideological differences, ensuring that human rights concerns did not overshadow the visit’s larger objectives.
Immigration was another key point, with India agreeing to repatriate illegal migrants in the US. There were discussions on student visas and research collaborations, reinforcing people-to-people ties.
Conclusion: A Strategic Recalibration
Modi’s US visit was far more than a symbolic handshake; it was a strategic recalibration of India’s global standing. The visit showcased India’s ability to strengthen partnerships while maintaining its independence.
Takeaways:
- Defence collaboration is expanding, with a focus on technology transfers rather than outright purchases.
- India remains non-aligned in the US-Russia dynamic, pursuing a multi-aligned foreign policy.
- Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific is a cornerstone of US-India defence ties.
- The visit reinforced India’s position as a rising power, engaging with major blocs without being bound by them.
When global alliances are shifting, India is playing its strategic cards with precision. As it deepens defence and economic ties with the US, it is simultaneously ensuring that its relationships with Russia, China, and other global players remain intact. It was reflected in its firm stance during the recent Ukraine conflict and its responses to the West. This visit was reflected many trade deals while India’s place in the emerging world order.
