‘MAGA’ + ‘MIGA’ = ‘MEGA’ partnership for prosperity: Modi

Meeting with Trump: India, US set a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030

GN Bureau | February 14, 2025


#Diplomacy   #India   #United States   #Narendra Modi   #Donald Trump  
PM Modi with USA president Trump at their joint press conference at White House on February 13
PM Modi with USA president Trump at their joint press conference at White House on February 13

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.

 

Comments

 

Other News

Rethinking policy framework to address animal-human conflict and animal welfare

Animal welfare requires as much a structured policy approach as do other sectors in India. Conflict that exists today is due to lack of an integrated policy approach which in turn exacerbates the conflict and instigates public health crises. The Indian Constitution already recognises the importance of anim

Mobile phones in classroom: redirect, not eliminate

In this era of AI and classrooms filled with students glued to their cellphones, there is a need to focus on redirecting, but not eliminating, the distraction. While there is no doubt that we need to go back to the older ways of teaching such as taking oral viva exams, practicing ‘sthithprajana&rsquo

Four Labour Codes come into effect to simplify, streamline labour laws

Four Labour Codes - the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 have come into effect , rationalising 29 existing labour laws. By modernising labour regulations, enhancing workers` welf

Governance as ‘cyborg’: Rethinking AI rules through philosophical lens

In the world of science fiction, the cyborg, a hybrid of human and machine, often evokes fascination and fear. However, American scholar Donna Haraway conceptualises cyborg as more than a futuristic body; it is a philosophical lens, a way of thinking about identity, agency, and responsibility in a world wh

The process, not the verdict, is often the real punishment

When we talk about criminal justice in India, most people think about the final verdict — whether someone is found guilty or innocent. But for many ordinary Indians, punishment is not in the verdict, but in the process itself. The waiting, the uncertainty, the endless hearings, and the years spent be

Pollution control isn`t charity; it`s strategic economic investment

Every winter, as air pollution shrouds Indian cities from Delhi to Kolkata, public debate converges on the costs: the crores spent on air purifiers, water sprinklers and stubble management, the outlay for waste treatment plants and new green technology. Environmental clean-up is framed as a fiscal burden,

Visionary Talk: Amitabh Gupta, Pune Police Commissioner with Kailashnath Adhikari, MD, Governance Now





Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter