Trump-Modi meeting: trade, tariffs and visa's under the microscope
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington this week will see him meeting US President Donald Trump where their strong personal rapport will be on full display. The two leaders have built a solid relationship over the years beginning with their first meeting in 2017 followed by joint appearances at major rallies in Houston and Ahmedabad. Their shared focus on countering China has been a central theme in their growing partnership which has also helped deepen broader US-India ties. Modi's visit is expected to focus on expanding the US-India strategic partnership. In addition to meeting Trump he will likely engage with several members of Trump's cabinet US business leaders and members of the Indian-American community. There is even the possibility that Modi will meet Elon Musk to discuss boosting India's electric vehicle sector.
However the visit will not be without its transactional aspects. Modi’s government has already made concessions to Trump including lowering tariffs and agreeing to take back undocumented Indian immigrants. Trump is expected to press for further tariff reductions particularly in light of the $46 billion trade deficit. Modi may counter by proposing bilateral talks aimed at reducing tariffs on both sides a move that could help address the trade imbalance. Energy will also be a point of discussion. Trump may request that India purchase more American oil although India has been increasing imports of cheaper Russian oil. Modi may counter with a request for greater US investment in India’s nuclear energy sector aligning with India’s goal to meet half of its energy needs through renewable energy by 2030.
On technology Modi is likely to seek continued support for the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) a key part of US-India relations. Modi may also advocate for the continuation of the H-1B visa program, which benefits many Indian tech workers in the US.
Foreign policy discussions will also be prominent particularly regarding India’s ties with Iran. Modi is likely to seek clarity on the US’s stance toward India’s project in Chabahar, Iran amid the US’s “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran. Additionally the two leaders will discuss the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Modi’s neutral position on Ukraine aligns with Trump’s and Modi could be asked if he is willing to mediate between conflicting parties.
Despite some potentially delicate topics both leaders are likely to maintain a positive tone. A key highlight will be the Indo-Pacific Quad a group focused on countering China which both Trump and Modi strongly support. Modi may extend an invitation for Trump to attend this year’s Quad meeting in Delhi further cementing the strategic partnership. In the end while there will certainly be moments of camaraderie and shared laughs the underlying discussions between Modi and Trump will likely focus on balancing personal diplomacy with the transactional demands of a complex relationship. The future of US-India ties will hinge on this delicate mix of strategic alignment and negotiation.
