President Trump's India Visit: Key Defence Deals On The Table

After the massive success of the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston in the southern US state of Texas, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be seen at a massive event called the 'Khem Chho Trump' meet, at the Sardar Patel Cricket Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on February 24 later this month. President Trump will also visit the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati and operate the famous Charkha, synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi.

Significantly, India and US are scheduled to hold talks on key defence deals. The dialogue on defence deals relates to strengthening India's defence systems in army, air force and navy. Among them are acquisition of an integrated air defence system and 30 long range reconnaissance drones. India is also keen acquiring 24 Sea Hawk helicopters for the Indian Navy because of their multipurpose role in combat.

As is widely known, US is one of the biggest arms suppliers to India and the latest acquisitions will cost India close to $2 billion. From the US perspective, India is one of its biggest trade partners in the defence sector.

Tariffs will also form an important part of the agenda of the Indo-US talks. A significant aspect of President Trump's visit is that Indian Americans constitute a large voter base in the United States where presidential elections are around the corner.

President Donald Trump will be accompanied by the US First Lady, Melania Trump. Media reports say that the couple could make an unscheduled visit to the celebrated monument, Taj Mahal in Agra.