PM Modi, Trump set for key discussions: Strengthening ties or tackling trade wars?

Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington early Thursday (late Wednesday EST) for a crucial two-day visit, set against the backdrop of Donald Trump's return to the White House. The visit is expected to focus on reinforcing US-India relations, particularly in light of Trump's recent tariff threats targeting multiple nations, including India. During his stay, PM Modi is scheduled to hold high-level discussions, likely including a meeting with President Trump, to enhance cooperation across key sectors such as trade, defense, technology, and counterterrorism.

Trade and tariff tensions on the agenda

While the official agenda remains undisclosed, PM Modi’s visit comes at a time when the US administration is considering imposing tariffs on countries perceived to be impacting the American economy. Trump has openly mentioned India, China, and Brazil in his recent trade policy remarks, raising concerns about potential economic frictions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated on Wednesday that tariff-related measures might be announced before PM Modi's discussions, adding urgency to the talks. Experts suggest that Modi will push for negotiations to protect India's trade interests and ensure a balanced approach to economic policies.

Immigration and deportation issues

Another pressing issue on the table is the deportation of 104 illegal Indian immigrants from the US, a move that has stirred controversy in India. The timing of Modi’s visit makes this a critical discussion point, as both sides seek to address immigration policies and concerns regarding visa regulations for Indian professionals and students.

Strengthening ties with the new US administration

This visit marks one of the first high-profile engagements between India and the newly formed Trump administration. Senior officials have emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in multiple domains, including:

• Defense and security: Enhancing military collaboration and counterterrorism efforts
• Indo-Pacific strategy: Aligning India and the US on regional security and maritime policies
• Trade and investment: Facilitating smoother business operations between the two economies
• Technological partnerships: Expanding ties in artificial intelligence, semiconductor development, and digital innovation

Engagement with business leaders and the Indian diaspora

PM Modi’s itinerary also includes interactions with leading US business executives and Indian-American community members. With a diaspora of approximately 5.4 million people and over 350,000 Indian students in the US, Modi’s outreach is expected to focus on strengthening cultural and economic ties.

Expected joint statement

Following his high-level discussions, a joint statement is anticipated, summarizing key takeaways from the visit. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a February 7 briefing, underscored the bipartisan support India enjoys in Washington, reaffirming the commitment to bolstering Indo-US relations.

With global trade tensions, security concerns, and economic interests at play, PM Modi’s visit to the US is poised to be a defining moment in shaping the next phase of bilateral engagement.