Trump Urges Modi to Buy U.S. Security Gear, Talks Trade & Immigration

In a phone chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump emphasized the necessity of India purchasing more American-made security equipment and pursuing a fair bilateral commercial partnership, according to the White House.Trump later stated that they discussed immigration and that Modi plans to visit the United States in February. The White House previously stated that the two presidents had discussed plans for Modi's visit.

During what the White House referred to as a "productive call," the leaders talked about enhancing and deepening collaboration and topics like European, Middle Eastern, and Indo-Pacific security.

In Monday's call, Trump "emphasised the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship", a White House statement said.

India's biggest trading partner is the United States, with two-way trade reaching over US$118 billion in 2023–2024, with India reporting a US$32 billion surplus. Modi referred to Trump as a "dear friend" and stated that they were "committed to a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership" in a social media post on Monday. India is also a key strategic ally in US attempts to oppose China.

"We will work together for the welfare of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security," Modi said.

The leaders "agreed to remain in touch and meet soon at an early mutually convenient date" after talking about technology, commerce, investment, energy, and defense, according to an Indian statement.