Prime minister Narendra Modi has linked the dream of a Viksit Bharat with US president Donald Trump’s slogan, ‘Make America Great Again’, or ‘MAGA’, saying that when these two democracies work together, i.e. ‘MAGA’ plus ‘Make India Great Again’ (‘MIGA’), a ‘MEGA’ partnership for prosperity is formed.

Modi and Trump met at White House in Washington DC on Thursday, and discussed a range of bilateral issues. Later they issued a joint statement and also addressed a joint press conference. In his remarks at the latter, Modi expressed his gratitude to his “dear friend, President Trump”, for the gracious welcome and hospitality.

“Through his leadership, President Trump has cherished and revitalized the India-US relationship. The enthusiasm with which we worked together in his first term; I felt the same enthusiasm, the same energy and the same commitment today,” he said.

According to the PM, their discussions were a bridge of satisfaction with their achievements during Trump’s first term and deep mutual trust. At the same time, there was also a resolve to achieve new goals. “We believe that the collaboration and cooperation between India and America can shape a better world.”

He said:

“Americans are familiar with President Trump's motto, Make America Great Again, or "MAGA." The people of India are also moving towards development at a fast pace with the determination of "Viksit Bharat 2047” on the track of heritage and development.

“If I say in the language of America, developed India means Make India Great Again, i.e. "MIGA". When the United States and India work together, i.e. "MAGA" plus "MIGA", the "MEGA" Partnership for prosperity is formed. And this mega spirit gives new scale and scope to our goals.

The two leaders announced setting a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030. Modi said their teams will work on an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.

“We will strengthen the oil and gas trade to ensure India's energy security. Investment in energy infrastructure will also increase. In the nuclear energy sector, we also talked about increasing cooperation in the direction of Small Modular Reactors.”

Noting America’s important role in India's defense preparedness, Modi said that as strategic and trusted partners, the two nations were actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology.

“In the coming time, new technology and equipment will increase our capability. We have decided to launch the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance. The Defence Cooperation Framework will be created for the next decade. Defence inter-operability, logistics, repair and maintenance will also be its main parts.”

India and the United States will also work together in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Quantum, Biotechnology, and other technologies.

Concluding his remarks in Hindi, Modi “on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians” invited Trump to India.