Trump And Administration Officials Hold Meetings With Indian PM Narendra Modi In D.C.

Trump also welcomed Modi at the White House hours after he announced plans for mutual tariffs on countries that tax American products. The White House emphasized that the trade attack will improve economic and national security, in addition to making the United States richer.

The two leaders, Trump and Modi, are said to have established stronger ties between the US and India, Indian officials told the press. New Delhi officials also hoped that revitalization strategic cooperation could arise from the visit.

Modi, India's most famous leader in decades, is known as a popular yet divisive figure both nationally and internationally. BBC.

“Mr. Modi has a very stubborn admirer and very strong critics. According to political analyst Ravindra Reshme, you like him or not.”

Siddhartha Dubee, professor of journalism at Bennett University in India, said:

At least at present, India is not subject to tariffs. This is the world's fastest growth economy. But the stakes are still high.

“This has been one of our strongest international partnerships in recent years,” added Dubey.

The US is India's largest trading partner, as commerce hit a record $129.2 billion in 2024. At the moment, India has a trade surplus of around $35 billion. Fox Business.

India has already shown its willingness to lower its own tariffs in what is seen as an aggressive measure to stem high US tariffs. India reduced tariffs on important American exports. India, for example, cuts motorcycle tariffs this month. This is advantageous for the US Harley-Davidson company.

But India could still be at risk after taking action to ease Trump's concerns. In Trump's own words, one of the “very big tariff abusers,” the president often denounced the country as a “risqué tariff maker.”

These criticisms were reflected on Monday by Kevin Hassett, Trump's top economic adviser.

The average tariff rate in India is 17%, and according to data from the World Trade Organization, the average charge in the US is much higher than about 3.3%.

“This is unfair,” Duvey told the press. “And I don't think President Trump will turn a blind eye. India needs to cut its high tariffs, and there's no doubt about that.”

Nevertheless, we are still confident that India can handle Trump's “America's first” policy.

Modi was expected to propose increasing US energy products imports at the next meeting to correct trade imbalances. After Trump lifted the moratorium on new export permits, the Indian oil secretary said we are keen to buy liquefied natural gas.

Furthermore, India is in a good position to expand its energy commerce with the US as the fourth largest importer of liquefied natural gas.

According to ReutersModi negotiated a deal with fighter aircraft engines and a joint production deal for combat vehicles in connection with defence imports. Trump hopes to buy more security equipment manufactured in the US, as India is the largest importer of military hardware around the world.

This pressure will cause Russia and the US to compete for India's fifth-generation fighter contracts. Conversely, New Delhi is working to increase US investments in manufacturing and services, particularly in the insurance industry.

Modi recognizes that alliances can be strengthened in many key areas such as technology, commerce, defense, energy and supply chain resilience, but India-US trade relations have gradually increased over the years .