Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, marking their first bilateral meeting since Trump’s re-election. The meeting, which underscored the strong personal rapport between the two leaders, focused on key issues, including trade, tariffs, defense cooperation, and strategic partnerships.

Tough negotiations and reciprocal tariffs

During the press conference following their discussions, President Trump described PM Modi as a “much tougher negotiator” than himself, admitting that India’s strong trade policies pose a challenge to US exporters. Trump reiterated his stance on India's high tariffs, calling it “just about the highest tariff nation anywhere in the world.” He criticised India’s trade barriers and announced that the US would impose reciprocal tariffs, ensuring that American imports from India face the same charges as Indian imports from the US.

“We're just going to do it the easy way. Whatever India charges, we will charge them,” Trump stated, arguing that this approach would ensure fairness in trade. Notably, he brought up his long-standing issue with India’s tariffs on Harley Davidson motorcycles, though White House reports on the matter contained factual inaccuracies regarding tariff reductions that India has already implemented.

Strengthening economic and defense ties

PM Modi and President Trump also set an ambitious goal of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. “Our teams will work towards finalizing a mutually beneficial trade agreement soon,” Modi announced, signaling a new phase of economic collaboration between the two nations.

In addition to trade, both leaders discussed deepening cooperation in energy security, technology transfer, and nuclear energy, particularly in small modular reactors. Defense ties were also in focus, with Trump offering India advanced F-35 fighter jets, though formal negotiations on this proposal have yet to commence.

MAGA + MIGA = MEGA partnership

In a creative diplomatic play, PM Modi introduced the phrase ‘MIGA – Make India Great Again,’ drawing inspiration from Trump’s ‘MAGA – Make America Great Again.’ He stated that together, ‘MAGA plus MIGA’ creates a ‘MEGA partnership for prosperity.’

“The people of India are moving forward towards a Viksit Bharat 2047, much like America’s goal of strengthening its own economy. When America and India work together, this MEGA partnership will open new avenues of growth,” Modi emphasized.

India declines US mediation on China border issues

Amid discussions on trade and defense, President Trump offered to mediate between India and China regarding their ongoing border disputes. “I look at India, and I do see the skirmishes on the border. If I could be of help, I’d love to help because that should be stopped,” Trump remarked.

However, India swiftly rejected the offer, reinforcing its long-standing stance of handling border disputes bilaterally. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified, “India has always adopted a bilateral approach to dealing with these issues,” indicating that New Delhi would continue to engage directly with Beijing.

Symbolic gestures and strengthening bonds

Beyond policy discussions, the meeting carried significant symbolism. Trump gifted PM Modi a signed copy of his book Our Journey Together and a framed photograph from his 2020 visit to India, where he and former First Lady Melania Trump toured the Taj Mahal. Welcoming Modi with a warm hug, Trump expressed enthusiasm about their renewed engagement, saying, “We missed you, we missed you a lot.”

PM Modi, in return, expressed gratitude, recalling Trump’s hospitality in India and reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between the two leaders and their nations.

(with inputs from syndicated)

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