PM Modi meets Trump at White House, key trade and defence deals discussed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the White House on Wednesday evening Thursday morning IST for a highlevel meeting with US President Donald Trump The discussions covered a range of crucial topics including trade defence energy cooperation and infrastructure development according to PTIAhead of the muchanticipated meeting President Trump announced a new reciprocal tariff policy for all US trading partners a move that could have implications for Indias trade with the US As per PTI the policy is expected to impact key Indian exports particularly in the steel and aluminium sectorsBefore his meeting with President Trump PM Modi held separate discussions with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy These talks focused on strategic cooperation and investment opportunities between the two nationsAccording to PTI reports the Trump administration is keen on expanding defence sales to India As part of the discussions both sides explored a deal for the coproduction of Stryker armoured fighting vehicles in India The two leaders also spoke about strengthening bilateral trade and minimising tariffrelated disputes with a potential trade agreement being considered to facilitate smoother economic tiesDuring a joint press conference President Trump described PM Modi as a longtime friend and acknowledged his leadership ldquoHe is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me There is not even a contestrdquo Trump remarked as per PTIIn a notable development President Trump announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to India He reiterated the United States commitment to working with India in countering radical terrorismThe discussions between PM Modi and President Trump also placed significant emphasis on trade relations As per PTI reports both leaders agreed to finalise the first phase of an ambitious trade deal by the end of the year The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030At present the annual trade between India and the US stands at approximately USD 130 billion with the US holding a trade deficit of around USD 45 billion with India According to PTI both leaders emphasised their commitment to addressing trade barriers and expanding market access for key sectors such as technology agriculture and industrial goodsThe meeting also witnessed discussions on energy collaboration with India agreeing to increase imports of American oil and gas to help reduce the trade deficit Additionally the two nations pledged to enhance investment opportunities for companies on both sides PM Modi highlighted Indiarsquos ongoing efforts to attract greenfield investments with several Indian companies including Hindalcos Novelis and JSW Steel making significant investments in US manufacturing sectorsAs per PTI President Trump maintained his stance on fair trade stating ldquoWhatever India charges we will charge themrdquo reinforcing the administrationrsquos commitment to a reciprocal tariff policy However he acknowledged Indias recent measures to lower tariffs on key US exports such as motorcycles ICT products and metals and appreciated Indias market access enhancements for US agricultural products like duck meat and medical devicesBoth leaders also discussed initiatives to strengthen trade in labourintensive manufactured products and industrial goods Furthermore the two nations committed to deepening supply chain integration and creating opportunities for highvalue investments in each others economiesPM Modirsquos visit to Washington came just days after the US deported 104 Indian nationals in shackles a move that sparked concerns in India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently stated in Parliament that India remains in contact with US officials to ensure the humane treatment of returning Indian deporteesAs per PTI the highprofile meeting between PM Modi and President Trump reinforced the growing strategic and economic ties between India and the US with both sides pledging to work towards greater cooperation in key sectorsWith inputs from PTI