Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that India and the United States have set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. He added that both nations’ teams would work closely to finalize a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
During a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump, PM Modi reflected on the shared goals of the two countries, noting that while Americans are familiar with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) motto, India is focused on its own vision of development, aiming for “Viksit Bharat 2047” (Developed India by 2047).
“In America, you have the motto MAGA – Make America Great Again. In India, we are focused on heritage and development as we move toward Viksit Bharat 2047,” Modi said. “In the language of America, it’s Make India Great Again – MIGA. Together, MAGA and MIGA create a mega partnership for prosperity. This mega spirit expands the scale and scope of our objectives. Today, we have set a goal to double our bilateral trade and reach USD 500 billion by 2030.”
PM Modi also highlighted the strong focus on strengthening the oil and gas trade to ensure India’s energy security and called for greater cooperation in energy infrastructure. “We will strengthen oil and gas trade to ensure India’s energy security. Investments in energy infrastructure will rise, and in the nuclear energy sector, we are exploring deeper cooperation, particularly in small modular reactors,” Modi added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the strategic partnership between India and the US will extend to defense, joint development, joint production, and technology transfer. “America plays a key role in India’s defense preparedness. As trusted partners, we are actively moving toward joint development, production, and technology transfer. In the coming days, new technologies and equipment will enhance our capacity,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to President Trump for his warm hospitality, PM Modi acknowledged Trump’s leadership in strengthening India-US relations. “I thank my friend Donald Trump for the warm welcome and great hospitality. President Trump has brought energy and dynamism to the India-US relationship, making it even more lively. During his first term, we worked together, and today I felt the same enthusiasm, energy, and commitment in our discussions,” Modi said.
Both leaders discussed the successes of their past collaboration and resolved to work towards new goals. “Our partnership and cooperation can shape a better world,” Modi concluded.
In a moment of warmth, President Trump greeted PM Modi with a hug at the White House. “We missed you, we missed you a lot,” Trump said as they shared a friendly handshake.
PM Modi is one of the first world leaders to visit the United States following President Trump’s inauguration and was invited within three weeks of the new administration taking office.