Saturday 15 / February / 2025
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump presented "great friend for a long time" Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a personalised book capturing their camaraderie over the years, during the meeting of the two leaders at the White House in Washington DC on February 13.
The book "Our Journey Together" features photos from the historic "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump" events. On the cover page of the book the President of the United States wrote "Mr Prime Minister, You are great!." along with his signature.
Earlier on Prime Minister Modi's arrival at the White House, Trump welcomed him with a hug and the words, "We missed you a lot."
Trump has always spoken about his friendship with PM Modi. Addressing a joint press conference, the US President introduced PM Modi as "a terrific man, a great leader," adding that the largest democracy and the oldest democracy "India and US share great unity."
PM Modi, on his part, thanked "my friend" President Trump said that both leaders together resolve that they "will together march towards progress and prosperity of our nations."
Further, he said that when US the world's oldest democracy and India the largest democracy come together, "We make 1+1 =11 not 2, and this is the power of 11 that is going to work for the welfare of humanity."
Meanwhile, Al Mason, a close aide to President Trump and advisor on geopolitics, praised the strong bond between the two leaders, likening them to a "university of politics" that other world leaders could learn from.
"Many world leaders will have to train and graduate in President Trump's and PM Modi's University of Politics, the textbooks of which will include courses on both President Trump's and PM Modi's landslide victories, their friendship, their sharp brain power, instant political instincts, fierce determination, robust energy, self-confidence, passionately connecting with all kinds of voters, tirelessly fighting everyday challenges, their far sight, his vision, their showmanship, and above all their larger than life persona and infectious charm, all of which are unmatched by any global leader, or past Indian Prime Ministers and past US presidents," Mason said.
"Many global political courses seriously plan to include lectures and case studies on President Trump's and Prime Minister Modi's victories," said Mason, a New York-based entrepreneur.
Mason praised the lasting impact of Trump's "MAGA" brand and PM Modi's vision for India, saying they have become an integral part of the hearts and minds of Americans and Indians alike, and will shape the future of US and Indian politics.
"President Trump's MAGA brand and PM Modi's Make India Great Again (MIGA) are now cemented in the minds and hearts of most Americans and Indians, and will dominate US politics for generations to come. Trump and Modi live in the hearts and minds of their people. The same is the very reason President Trump and PM Modi are the choice of the people, the voice of the people and the savior of the people. Therefore, the Trump Doctrine of America First, and Modi's Doctrine of India First, which has struck a mighty chord with all kinds of American and Indian voters, will be the benchmark for winning future elections for both the US and India," Mason said.
Notably, PM Modi on Friday drew a parallel between India's "Viksit Bharat" vision and the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan in the United States, coining the term "Make India Great Again" (MIGA).
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi noted that India and the US have formed a "MEGA" partnership to drive prosperity for both nations.
"President Trump often talks about MAGA. In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in American context translates into MIGA. And together, the India-USA have a MEGA partnership for prosperity!" the Prime Minister posted.
Earlier at a joint press conference, PM Modi said that the people of the US are aware of Trump's motto, MAGA, while the people of India are moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said that India and the US will strengthen the oil and gas trade to ensure India's energy security.
"The people of America are well aware of President Trump's motto, 'MAGA--Make America Great Again.' The people of India too are focusing on heritage and development as they move forward at a fast pace and with a firm resolve towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. In the language of America, it's Make India Great Again - MIGA. When America and India work together, this MAGA plus MIGA becomes a 'mega partnership for prosperity,' and it is this mega spirit that gives new scale and scope to our objectives," the PM said.
PM Modi also stated that India and the US have set a USD 500 billion target for bilateral trade by 2023 and added that the teams of two nations will work together to finalise a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
"Today, we have also set a target to increase our bilateral trade to more than double, reaching USD 500 billion by 2030. Our teams will work on finalising very soon a mutually beneficial trade agreement," he added.
He announced that India and the US are moving forward in the direction of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology. He said that the partnership and cooperation between India and the US together can shape a better world. The Prime Minister is among the first few world leaders to visit the United States following President Trump's inauguration.
