2 central figures, 4 visits: Behind the scenes, push paves way for US trip

A new chapter in India-US ties?

- Prashant Jha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the White House sometime in February, US President Donald Trump announced late on Monday (Tuesday IST) as he termed the ties between the two countries as "very good" and claimed that India will do the "right thing" on illegal immigration.

Trump's statements came hours after a call with Modi --one that the White House described as "productive", and one in which Trump asked India to buy more made-in-America security equipment and move towards a "fair" trading partnership.

In an address to Republican lawmakers after the call on Monday, Trump threatened tariffs against India, clubbing it with China and Brazil as countries that "mean the US harm" and exploited the US market.

The announcement of the visit -- which will make Modi among the last leaders that Joe Biden hosted and among the first leaders Trump will host --and the clear articulation of US demands on trade, defense and immigration point to both the diplomatic opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the India-US relationship.

On Air Force One, on his way back from Florida to Washingtonton DC, Trump spoke on America's close ties with New Delhi.

"I had a long talk with him (Modi) this morning and he is going to be coming to the White House in the next month, probably in February," the President said. While the dates have not been announced, there is speculation that Modi may visit DC after attending a summit on artificial intelligence in Paris in mid-February.