U.S. President Donald Trump to visit India on February 24 and 25: White House

Why Donald Trump's visit is important for India

US President Donald Trump will be visiting India between 24 – 26 February with a motive to further strengthen the U.S.-India strategic partnership, and to reinforce the social ties between the two countries. Apart from the strategic importance, one major reason why the US is much important for India is because it is India’s largest trade partner as well. The US accounts for nearly 16 per cent of India’s overall exports while India imports only around 7 per cent of its overall imports from the US, according to the Department of Commerce. This is why India recorded a trade surplus of USD 17 billion in the last fiscal. The large trade and strategic importance keep the country on the top of India’s priority. 

1. US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will visit India on February 24-25 the White House said in an official statement.

2. During his first official visit to India on February 24-25, US President Donald and his wife Melania Trump will travel to Ahmedabad, Gujarat apart from New Delhi.

3. The White House further stated that during a phone call over the weekend, President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed the trip will "further strengthen the United States-India strategic partnership and highlight the strong and enduring bonds between the American and Indian people." The confirmation of Trump's visit comes days after India's new ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu presented his credentials to the US President.

4. Describing it as a significant visit, Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum, noted that the last three American presidents had made trips to India. "It's essential to send a message to the region that India is a significant partner and the president values that," Aghi told PTI. India has a role to play not only in its immediate neighbourhood but in making sure that the South China Sea and the Indo Pacific region is part of the international global order, he said.

5. India is set to give final approval to a $2.6 billion deal for military helicopters from U.S. defence firm Lockheed Martin ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump this month, defence and industry sources said. India's defence purchases from the United States have reached $17 billion since 2007 as it has pivoted away from traditional supplier Russia, looking to modernise its military and narrow the gap with China. Modi's cabinet committee on security is expected to clear the purchase of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Indian navy in the next two weeks, a defence official and an industry source said.