Modi met with Trump at the White House. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States on a two-day visit on February 12 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.
Modi met with Trump at the White House on Thursday (February 13) local time. Several issues, including trade, immigration, and visa policy, were discussed in the meeting. Apart from Trump, Modi also met with Elon Musk and several officials from the Trump administration.
However, they avoided several controversial issues in the Trump-Modi meeting. Among these controversial issues is Trump's announced 'reciprocal tariff policy', through which he plans to impose tariffs on the products of other countries at the same rate as the tariffs imposed on US products by other countries. In addition, they also avoided sensitive issues such as human rights and minority oppression.
Experts said that in recent years, concerns about human rights violations in India have received little attention from the US. India's trade with the US has been steadily increasing. India has emerged as an ally of the United States in the fight against China.
According to experts, this trend will continue in Trump's second term as president. After this discussed meeting, a report by Qatar-based international media Al Jazeera highlighted four important aspects of the meeting. These aspects are-
India's concessions in trade agreements:
Fearing that Trump's tariffs may cause an economic crisis in the country, many world leaders are accepting Trump's demands or offering concessions to the United States in various sectors. On Thursday, Modi also appeared with some such proposals.
Currently, the United States has a trade deficit of about 46 billion dollars with India. Trump blamed the tariffs imposed by India for this deficit.
On Thursday, Trump said, 'Recently, Prime Minister Modi announced a reduction in India's unfair, harsh tariffs. These tariffs have made it very difficult for American products to enter the Indian market. This is a really big problem.'
After the meeting, the two leaders announced an agreement to increase trade between the two countries. The agreement will include space travel, artificial intelligence (AI) and partnerships in energy production.
Modi said, “We have set a goal to more than double bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030.”
Trump also said that India will increase imports of US energy products to reduce the trade deficit. The Prime Minister and I have agreed to a significant energy deal that will once again establish the US as India’s top oil and gas supplier.
Trump also hinted at an international infrastructure project that will connect allies, similar to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Trump said, “Together, we have agreed to build one of the greatest trade routes in history. It will run from India to Israel, through Italy to the United States. Under this project, we will connect our partners with ports, railways and undersea cables.”
Al Jazeera reported that Trump was referring to the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which was first announced in September 2023. The US-led corridor is supposed to pass through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Greece. However, its future is uncertain due to the Israel-Gaza war.
Modi supports Trump's 'Make America Great Again' movement
The right-wing leader is accused of stifling the voice of democracy in his own country. Both leaders were re-elected last year - Modi in June and Trump in November. During the exchange of courtesy at Thursday's meeting, Modi presented an Indian version of Trump's 'Make America Great Again' slogan, supporting it.
Modi said, ‘The people of the United States are familiar with President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” or MAGA slogan. We have chosen to build a developed India by borrowing it from the United States and calling it “Make India Great Again” or MIGA.’
He said, ‘When the United States and India work together, MAGA and MIGA become mega. This is a mega partnership, which will lead (both countries) to the path of prosperity.’
Modi also compared the BJP’s policy with Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda. He claimed that he also gives utmost importance to the interests of his own country.
Trump faces questions on Ukraine peace deal
Trump faced questions at the press conference about repeatedly discussing the Ukraine war, not the US-India relations.
Trump said on Thursday morning that he had a long and very productive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After that, he also spoke to Ukrainian President Vladymyr Zelensky on the phone.
At the press conference, Trump said, “Russia has occupied a very large part of (Ukraine). And they have been saying from day one—not just President Putin, but for many years—that they will not allow Ukraine to be part of NATO. They have said this very strongly. I believe that is why the war started.”
Modi did not make any specific comments on the Russia-Ukraine war in the discussion. However, Trump’s recent stance may provide some relief to India. Historically, India has strong relations with Russia and India had to face pressure to import oil from Russia during the Biden administration.
‘Emphasis on fighting Terrorism’
While countering China's international influence was the biggest topic of discussion at the meeting, another security issue came up in the discussion of the two leaders - the fear of 'terrorism'.
Trump approved the extradition of Chicago businessman Tahawar Rana, accused in the Mumbai attacks, to India. In 2013, a US federal court sentenced Rana to 14 years in prison for helping to carry out terrorist activities against a Danish news agency.
Although he was accused of being involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the court has not yet convicted Rana. Rana appealed against his extradition to India. However, last month, the US Supreme Court rejected his request to stop his extradition. After Trump's approval on Thursday, the possibility of it being implemented is almost certain.
Modi praised Trump's decision at a press conference on Thursday. He said that the Indian courts will take appropriate action against Rana. India and the US will fight terrorism together resolutely.
Trump said that he will sell billions of dollars of military equipment to India. The United States and India will also work together more strongly than ever before to confront the threat of radical Islamic terrorism, which has global implications. However, Modi has been accused of turning a blind eye to anti-Muslim violence and of making anti-Muslim hate speech.
