TRUMP'S VISIT WILL CREATE RENEWED MOMENTUM IN INDO-US RELATIONS

Much expectation surrounds US President Donald Trump’s visit to India on February 2425. Trade relations have been strained of late and the success of the visit will rest partly on whether a trade deal is signed. NISHA BISWAL, President of the US-India Business Council and a former Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs in the US Department of State, in an exclusive interview with INDIA TODAY Group Editorial Director RAJ CHENGAPPA, speaks of the prospects. Excerpts:

- RAJ CHENGAPPA

Q. Why is President Donald Trump’s forthcoming visit to India important?

A. The President of the United States coming to India for his first visit in an official capacity is a signal of the continuing importance of the US-India relationship. During this administration, [our] partnership has continued to deepen, with new opportunities for dialogue, including the establishment of the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on defence and external affairs. The many meetings between President Trump and Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi show there is also a strong personal rapport between them. President Trump’s visit will create renewed energy and momentum in the relationship. Both countries want to see a growth in bilateral trade, as well as more strategic convergence and a stronger security partnership.

Q. Where do Indo-US relations stand right now?