President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down for talks at the White House on Thursday, covering everything from trade tensions to military deals and even energy sales. While the meeting seemed warm, both leaders made it clear they were standing firm when it came to protecting their country’s interests.
One of the biggest topics on the table? Trade. Trump has long been frustrated with India’s high tariffs on American goods, calling them “very strong” and “unfair.” Modi, on the other hand, pointed out that India has made some tariff reductions and is open to further discussions. Despite the differences, both sides agreed to work towards a deal that could be finalized within the next several months.
A key part of the discussion was India’s interest in buying more American products—especially oil, gas, and defense equipment. Modi said India could significantly increase its purchases, potentially making the U.S. its top supplier for energy. Trump, in turn, hinted at the possibility of selling F-35 stealth fighter jets to India, though no formal agreement has been made yet.
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While trade talks took center stage, the two leaders also discussed security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries have a complicated relationship with China, and their cooperation on military and technological advancements could help counterbalance Beijing’s growing influence. They also touched on joint efforts in artificial intelligence and nuclear energy.
The issue of tariffs, however, remains a sticking point. Trump doubled down on his commitment to implementing reciprocal tariffs, stating, “Whatever India charges, we charge them.” This has been a long-standing issue between the two nations, with India’s tariffs averaging around 12% compared to the U.S. average of 2.2%. Some experts believe the trade dispute could be a long, drawn-out battle, though both sides appear willing to negotiate.
Immigration was another topic of discussion. Trump has been pushing for more cooperation from India when it comes to handling unauthorized immigration. India is a major source of legal immigrants to the U.S., particularly in the tech industry, but there are also concerns about illegal immigration. Additionally, Trump announced that the U.S. had approved the extradition of a suspect linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, a move likely to be welcomed by India.
Meanwhile, Modi’s schedule in Washington included a meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The two reportedly discussed Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet project, and its potential entry into the Indian market. While details remain unclear, the meeting signals growing business ties between the U.S. and India.
Beyond economic and security matters, the ongoing conflict between India and China was briefly addressed. Trump expressed his willingness to mediate any border disputes between the two nations. At the same time, India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war was another point of interest. While Western countries have reduced their reliance on Russian energy, India has continued to buy from Moscow. Modi made it clear that India stands for peace but will act in its own best interests when it comes to global conflicts.
Despite the challenges, the meeting signaled a willingness to keep the U.S.-India relationship strong. While there’s still plenty of negotiating ahead, both sides see the potential for deeper economic and security ties. For now, the back-and-forth over tariffs and trade deals is far from over—but at least the conversation is moving forward.
