Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met in Washington, holding discussions on trade, energy cooperation, and strategic relations. The meeting, their first since Trump’s return to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term, highlighted the leaders' intent to continue diplomatic and economic collaboration between the two nations.

During the talks, Modi acknowledged Trump’s role in deepening bilateral relations during his previous term. "You've made an immense personal contribution towards strengthening our relations, towards making them more comprehensive, and attaining unprecedented heights in our relationship," Modi said through a translator. Expressing optimism for the next phase of engagement, he added, "I firmly believe that in your second term we will work with even more speed."

Modi also pointed to a common approach in their leadership styles, stating, "One thing that I deeply appreciate, and I learned from President Trump, is that he keeps the national interest supreme. And like him, I also keep the national interest of India at the top of everything else."

Trump, in turn, emphasised economic engagement, particularly in energy trade. "They're going to be purchasing a lot of our oil and gas. We have more oil and gas than any other country in the world, by far, and they need it, and we have it. And we're going to talk about trade, we're going to talk about many things, but it's really an honour to see you, and you have been my friend for a long time," Trump said.

According to senior Trump administration officials, the two governments are resuming negotiations on a trade agreement, with the goal of finalising it by 2025. Discussions on defence cooperation and regional security were also expected to be on the agenda.

The meeting also saw references to previous high-profile events involving both leaders. Modi recalled public gatherings such as Namaste Trump in Ahmedabad and Howdy Modi in Houston. "I am happy that as soon as I entered this room, my friend reminded me of Ahmedabad and the cricket stadium where we held a big rally and the events that we did in Ahmedabad—'Namaste Trump' and 'Howdy Modi' in Houston... The echo of those events can still be heard today in India and the world," he remarked.

Modi, who recently secured a third term as India's Prime Minister, congratulated Trump on his return to office. "I am delighted to see you back in the White House. I congratulate you on behalf of 140 crore people of India. The people of India gave me an opportunity to serve as PM for the third time. In this term, I have the opportunity to work with President Trump once again for the next four years, and it is a great pleasure. I can say from my past experience of working with you in your first term, we will continue to advance the India-US strategic partnership with the same bond, same trust, and the same excitement."