Trump and Modi Announces Launch of U.S.-India TRUST; Both Nations To Work Together On AI & Other Sectors

PM Modi went on a work visit to Washington DC on February 13, 2025, where he had been hosted by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. 

In the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and involvement of their citizens.

What is the new U.S.-India COMPACT?

President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new initiative – the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century” – to create transformative change across key pillars of cooperation. Under this initiative, they committed to a results-driven agenda with initial outcomes this year to demonstrate the level of trust for a mutually beneficial partnership.

Trump and Modi announced the launch of the U.S.-India TRUST (“Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology”) initiative, to help government-to-government, academia and private sector collaboration and promote the application of critical and emerging technologies in areas like defence, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, energy and space, while supporting the use of verified technology vendors and make certain that sensitive technologies are protected.

As a central pillar of the “TRUST” initiative, both leaders committed to working with U.S. and Indian private industry to bring forward a U.S.-India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure by the end of 2025, identifying constraints to financing, building, powering, and connecting large-scale U.S.-origin AI infrastructure in India with milestones and future actions.

The two countries will work together to enable industry partnerships and investments in next-generation data centres, cooperation on development and access to computing and processors for AI, innovations in AI models and building AI applications for solving societal challenges while addressing the protections and controls necessary to secure these technologies and reduce regulatory barriers.

PM Modi and President Trump also discussed expanding trade and investment to develop their economies. They resolved to strengthen the U.S.-India trade relationship to facilitate growth that ensures national security and job creation. The leaders set a bold new goal for bilateral trade – “Mission 500” – targetting more than double the total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Further, the two leaders re-committed to the U.S.-India Energy Security Partnership, including in oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.

They also committed to streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel, while aggressively addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking by taking strong action to promote mutual security for both countries.

On Thursday, Google's global head of government affairs and public policy, Karan Bhatia commented that the conditions are ripe for India to be at the forefront of AI and that the tech giant is deeply aligned with the country's vision of having indigenous foundational models.

He also expressed optimism that PM Modi's visit to Washington DC will further solidify an already-strong bilateral relationship, and lead to greater collaboration between the two nations, on AI.

Also read: 'Incredibly Happy And Here Forever', Says CEO Of Europe’s Largest AMC On India Exposure (startuppedia.in)