US President Donald Trump has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the White House next week, according to a White House official.
The invitation comes just hours after a US military aircraft departed to return deported migrants to India.
During a phone call on January 27, Trump and Modi discussed immigration policies, fair bilateral trade, and India's potential purchase of American-made security equipment, Reuters reports.
The conversation underscored the evolving strategic relationship between the two nations.
India, a key US partner in countering China's influence, is seeking to strengthen trade ties with Washington. Additionally, New Delhi aims to secure better access to skilled worker visas and avoid potential tariffs, which Trump has previously threatened due to India's high levies on American goods.
The US remains India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $118 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
India recorded a trade surplus of $32 billion during this period, highlighting the significance of economic ties between the two countries.
