Sun Feb 16 00:42:21 UTC 2025: **Trump and Modi Pledge to Reshape US-India Trade, Boost Defense Ties**
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met at the White House on Thursday, February 13, 2025, agreeing to work towards a more balanced and reciprocal economic relationship while significantly expanding defense cooperation. The meeting focused heavily on trade imbalances, with Trump expressing concerns about India’s tariffs, calling them “very unfair and strong.” Despite the threat of further tariffs, both leaders committed to negotiating a trade deal, aiming for completion by the end of the year. Modi proposed doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Trump, aiming to reduce the $50 billion trade deficit, suggested boosting US energy exports to India.
Beyond trade, the leaders announced a strengthening of defense ties. Trump pledged to increase military sales to India, ultimately including F-35 stealth fighter jets, although a timeline was not specified. This builds on over $20 billion in US defense equipment purchases by India since 2008 and a recent agreement with General Electric to produce jet engines in India. The two nations also agreed to deepen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a significant gesture, Trump indicated US support for the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, allegedly involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. This move could bolster Modi’s popularity at home given his tough stance against Pakistan. Immigration was also on the agenda, with Modi pledging to repatriate Indian citizens residing illegally in the US. This follows the recent repatriation of 104 Indian migrants on a US military aircraft. While Trump lauded Modi’s negotiating skills, Modi echoed Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan with a commitment to “Make India Great Again.” Analysts suggest India is seeking a pragmatic approach to navigating Trump’s efforts to reshape the global trading order.
First Piper 