The Trump administration declares India a central objective in its diplomatic initiatives because India demonstrates potential to modify the Indo-Pacific region while challenging Chinese power according to Lisa Curtis who previously worked at the White House before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington DC on February 13, 2025.
At a Centre for a New American Security (CNAS) press briefing Curtis explained that India operates as a fundamental global power. She emphasized that India possesses the capability to modify both the Indo-Pacific area and worldwide conditions.
On his second term President Trump welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his fourth high-level meeting as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accompanied him before the Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. 
The current interest of Donald Trump toward India became more pronounced as trade and security issues grew in significance. Curtis explained that the White House views India as vital to the Quad alliance because its objective is to create an open and free Indo-Pacific region. The debut Quad ministerial meeting of Trump’s second term occurred during his inauguration day which demonstrated India’s vital geopolitical status.
The discussion between Modi and Trump is highly likely to center on trade-related matters. The new round of trade discussions between Trump and India are likely to move forward faster due to the shorter patience demonstrated by the American president. Industrial organizations will expect India to reduce its protective trade barriers according to her assessment.
During his upcoming meeting with Trump Modi will establish the framework for how relations between India and the United States will develop in the coming years despite growing national security concerns about both trade deals and Chinese regional involvement.
