Former U.S. President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official visit to the White House next week, a White House official confirmed. The announcement came just hours after a U.S. military aircraft departed to return deported Indian migrants.

Trump and Modi spoke on January 27, discussing key issues including immigration policies, trade relations, and defense cooperation. Trump emphasized the need for India to purchase more American-made security equipment and reiterated his stance on fair bilateral trade.

India, a key strategic ally for the U.S. in countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region, is looking to strengthen trade ties with Washington. The South Asian nation is also seeking to ease visa regulations for skilled Indian workers and avoid potential tariffs that Trump has previously threatened, citing India’s high import duties on American products.

The United States remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $118 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. India recorded a trade surplus of $32 billion during this period, highlighting the economic interdependence between the two nations.

Modi’s visit to the White House is expected to focus on deepening economic cooperation, resolving trade disputes, and advancing defense and technology partnerships.