In world politics, some relationships have dynamics that directly affect global balances. In today’s international system, where strategic calculations, economic cooperation, and regional security concerns are intertwined, contacts between major powers are more important than ever. Especially in a broad framework shaped by areas such as the Indo-Pacific, global supply chains, technological competition, and defense cooperation, these relationships provide significant insights into the future of the international system. In this context, the President of the United States (USA), Donald Trump, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, met on February 13, 2025, to hold a critical meeting that could shape both bilateral and global agendas. This meeting is noteworthy not only in terms of the strategic priorities of the two countries but also for understanding global power balances.
The Trump-Modi meeting conveyed important messages regarding the future of strategic cooperation between the two countries. The meeting focused on topics such as trade, energy, and migration. Following their bilateral discussions, President Trump announced that India had agreed to import more oil and gas from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries.[1] Particularly in the context of economic cooperation, India’s agreement to import more oil and natural gas from the USA can be seen not only as a step toward addressing the trade imbalance but also as an effort by India to take a more flexible position in the global energy supply chain.
One of the notable points is how India will manage its relations with Russia while strengthening its energy partnership with the United States. The Modi government has sought to balance Western pressure by maintaining close economic ties with Moscow during the Russia-Ukraine War. However, the new energy agreements with the United States indicate that India has entered a new phase in this balancing policy. While Washington aims to distance India from Russian energy sources, a key question remains whether New Delhi can create room for maneuver to maintain trade relations with both the United States and Russia.
Trade was also one of the prominent topics in the meeting. The U.S. side emphasized that due to India’s trade barriers and high tariffs, the country remains a challenging market for American companies.[2] Trump’s remarks regarding the difficulties of trading with India suggest that the U.S. will push New Delhi to make more concessions. However, India’s goal of increasing its trade volume with the U.S. to $500 billion by 2030 is not only a strategy to boost trade but also reflects its ambition to strengthen its position in the global economy. This goal highlights India’s efforts to expand its economic power and sphere of influence while deepening its relations with the U.S., signaling a period in which global trade will be reshaped. However, achieving this goal will not merely depend on the removal of trade barriers.
The Trump administration’s calls for lowering tariffs and eliminating trade barriers with India could necessitate a shift in India’s economic strategy toward a more liberal approach. How flexible India will be in response to these demands will determine the future shape of bilateral trade relations.
Modi also went beyond trade in the meeting by cleverly integrating Trump’s “MAGA (Make America Great Again)” slogan with India’s vision, coining the term “MIGA” (Make India Great Again). This strategic language reflects not only India’s own economic goals but also its vision of creating global prosperity in cooperation with the United States. Modi stated, “In India, we are working for a Viksit Bharat, which in the American context is translated as MIGA. When the U.S. and India work together, this MAGA plus MIGA becomes a ‘MEGA’ partnership for prosperity,” highlighting the great potential of the partnership and strong cooperation between the two countries.[3]
Another important topic discussed in the meeting was immigration. While Trump prioritized preventing illegal immigration, Modi advocated for an increase in U.S. visas for skilled professionals, emphasizing the significant role of Indian professionals in this regard. The majority of the U.S.’s H-1B visas are used by Indian specialists, making this a critical aspect of India’s economic relations with the United States.[4] Additionally, Modi made a noteworthy statement on illegal immigration, pointing out that human trafficking is behind this issue and calling for more dialogue to address it. India also expressed its full readiness to take back Indian citizens residing illegally in the U.S., demonstrating its commitment to adhering to a legal framework on immigration matters.
This situation demonstrates that India’s immigration policy adopts a global solution-oriented approach by encouraging legal migration while combating illegal immigration through international cooperation and the eradication of human trafficking. Immigration is not only a domestic issue for both countries but also a significant matter related to global migration policies. Trump’s strict stance on preventing illegal immigration and Modi’s call for a joint fight against human trafficking mark an important step toward enhancing cooperation on immigration. However, this cooperation must maintain a balance within the framework of human rights and international law while serving the national interests of both countries.
In conclusion, the Trump-Modi meeting is a significant turning point that will deepen relations between the United States and India. Steps to be taken in strategic areas such as trade, energy, and immigration may impact not only bilateral cooperation but also global balance. Modi’s “MIGA” vision reflects India’s goal of shaping its economic growth through global cooperation, while the strategic partnership between the two countries will play a decisive role in the future of world politics. This collaboration could lead to significant changes in global security and the economic order.
[1] “Modi-Trump meeting: Trade, security, immigration discussed; key takeaways”, Business Standard, https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/modi-donald-trump-meeting-mega-maga-miga-us-oil-f-35-jet-trade-extradition-125021400188_1.html, (Accessed: 14.02.2025).
[2] Ibid
[3] “Modi-Trump meeting: Trade, defence and immigration dominate talks amid tariff tensions”, PTC News, https://www.ptcnews.tv/nation/modi-trump-meeting-trade-defence-and-immigration-dominate-talks-amid-tariff-tensions-key-takeaways-4405760, (Accessed: 14.02.2025).
[4] “Trump, Modi avoid discussing minority rights in meeting”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-indias-modi-avoid-discussing-minorities-rights-meeting-2025-02-14/, (Accessed: 14.02.2025).
