PM Modi likely to meet Trump on Feb 13-14 amid immigrant, tariff concerns

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump following his participation in the AI Summit in Paris on February 10-11.

Although there has been no formal confirmation from either the White House or India's External Affairs Ministry, both countries are considering February 13 and 14 as potential dates for the meeting.

India has been keen on arranging an early interaction between the two leaders, hoping that Modi’s strong personal ties with Trump will help pave the way for deeper cooperation.

This engagement is particularly significant as the new U.S. administration moves forward with policies such as increasing tariffs and tightening immigration regulations, TNIE reported.

If the visit materializes, Modi and Trump are expected to meet on February 13 to outline their future collaboration. During his U.S. trip, Modi is also likely to engage with business leaders.

Prior to the Washington visit, Modi will attend the AI Action Summit in France at the Grand Palais.

According to the Élysée Palace, the summit will bring together global leaders, international organizations, business executives, academics, NGOs, artists, and members of civil society.

If his U.S. visit is confirmed, Modi is expected to arrive in Washington on February 12, depending on his final commitments in France.

This would mark Modi’s first official bilateral visit to the U.S. since Trump’s re-election for a second term on January 20 after his decisive victory in November.

Modi will be among the first foreign leaders to visit Washington for bilateral talks soon after the new administration takes charge.

The visit comes at a time when India has concerns over the U.S. President’s stance on immigration and trade tariffs. Recently, Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tax on Chinese goods.

During a phone call on January 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump committed to strengthening a "trusted" partnership, with a particular focus on enhancing India-US cooperation in trade, energy, and defence.

“The leaders (Modi and Trump) discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations,” said the White House readout after the phone call between Modi and Trump on January 27.

President Trump mentioned that Modi is expected to visit the White House for a meeting in February. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling from Florida to Joint Base Andrews, Trump said on the day of his phone call with the Indian Prime Minister: “I had a long talk with him this morning. He is going to be coming to the White House, probably in February. We have a very good relationship with India.”

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US, New Delhi announced on Saturday its plan to amend the nuclear liability law and establish a nuclear energy mission.

Certain provisions in India's Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 have posed obstacles in advancing the implementation of the landmark civil nuclear agreement, which was finalized between the two strategic partners nearly 16 years ago.

India is reportedly exploring the potential for civil nuclear collaboration with the US in the field of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Holtec International, situated in the United States, is recognised to be one of the world's major exporters of SMRs, and the Department of Atomic Energy is reportedly interested in collaborating with the American firm.