US President Donald Trump emphasised the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made defence equipment and fostering a fair bilateral trading relationship during a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, the White House said.

Trump later told reporters that the two leaders also discussed immigration, with Modi set to visit the US in February. The White House confirmed discussions about Modi’s visit, describing the call as “productive” and noting cooperation on security in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe.

Diplomatic sources have indicated efforts to arrange a meeting between the leaders as early as February.

While Trump and Modi shared warm relations during Trump’s first term, the US president had criticised India’s trade practices during his re-election campaign, calling the country a “very big abuser” and threatening tariffs against BRICS nations, including India, over their currency policies.

On Monday, Trump urged India to buy more American security equipment and move towards a balanced trade partnership. Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded $118 billion in 2023/24, with India posting a $32 billion surplus.

India remains a key US ally in countering China. Modi, in a social media post, referred to Trump as a “dear friend,” reaffirming their commitment to a “mutually beneficial and trusted partnership” for global peace, security, and prosperity.

India’s statement highlighted discussions on technology, trade, energy, defence, and investment, with both leaders agreeing to meet soon.

The White House also noted the leaders’ shared commitment to the Quad, comprising the US, India, Australia, and Japan. India is set to host a Quad summit later this year, with speculation of Modi visiting Washington soon and Trump attending the summit.

Tanvi Madan of the Brookings Institution stated that trade and immigration are top priorities for the Trump administration regarding India. She added that India would seek a shift in the US stance on India’s ties with Russia but must navigate US sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine war.

‘Do what’s right’

Trump remarked that Modi “will do what’s right” in addressing the return of Indian immigrants living illegally in the US. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised concerns about irregular migration in talks with India’s foreign minister.

Reports indicate that 18,000 Indian migrants in the US have been identified as illegal. Trump has pledged to combat illegal immigration while remaining open to legal migration of skilled workers, with India being a key source of IT professionals under the US H-1B visa programme.

The White House made no mention of Washington’s earlier accusations of India’s involvement in a foiled plot against a Sikh separatist on US soil, which had strained relations during former President Joe Biden’s administration.