Bhubaneswar: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among the first foreign leaders to meet Donald Trump in his second term. It’s an important visit for India as high tariffs by the Trump administration looms large and the deportation of large numbers of illegal Indian immigrants has created ripples in India.
PM Modi Meets Trump for Crucial Talks
Prime Minister Modi was among the first few leaders to congratulate and speak with his ‘friend’ Trump after his historic win in the US presidential election. Now the Indian leader is among the first select few foreign leaders visiting Washington DC for bilateral talks.
After a productive visit to France, the PM headed to the US capital Washington on the evening of February 12 (Tuesday) and will hold talks with Potus on February 13 (Wednesday). This is Modi’s first bilateral with Trump during his second term, which began on January 20. And it is probably the most important one.
Since assuming office, Trump has created a stir with his plans to impose tariffs and the crackdown on immigration. India has a lot at stake. Economic cooperation would be a top priority because of Trump’s tariff threats.
Trade: Tackling Tariffs and Economic Ties
The United States is India’s largest trading partner with two-way trade reaching $118 billion in 2023-2024. However, India’s surplus stood at $45.6 billion in 2024, according to US data. It is not something Trump is pleased about. The US president has described India as a “tariff king” and “abuser” of tariffs in the past.
New Delhi is already doing the balancing act. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has slashed import duties on high-end motorcycles and electric batteries in the Union Budget 2025. Modi is likely to emphasise this during his discussions with Trump. It might not be enough.
Modi is also expected to propose increased energy and defence imports during the two-day US visit, reports Reuters.
A revival of talks on a trade deal is likely. A trade pact was in discussion during President Trump’s first term but was not finalised. During the Biden administration, there were no talks on such a deal.
Defence: Strengthening Military Ties
Trump called on India to expand its acquisition of US military technology, including fighter jets, drones and armoured vehicles. Washington is reportedly keen on selling F-35 jets, even as the Asian nation has been buying France’s Rafale to strengthen its military.
New Delhi is also interested in reviving the procurement of six more advanced P-8I long-range maritime patrol and submarine-halting aircraft from the US, which was paused three years ago, reports The Times of India. An increase in defence imports can help in tariff negotiations.
Modi and Trump are also likely to discuss the procurement of other advanced defence equipment like drones and C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft and enhanced joint military exercises.
But amid this, Modi has to keep in mind that any commitment aligns with its Atma Nirbhar defence strategy.
Immigration: Deportations and H-1B Visas
Donald Trump has been cracking down on illegal immigrants and Indians are no exception. The first batch of 104 was deported to India last week and their ill-treatment created a furore back home. While New Delhi has raised concerns over this, it has also said that it is ready to take back its citizens. At least 487 more Indians are likely to be sent back next.
However, the problem at hand is bigger. There are close to 7.25 lakh illegal immigrants in the US, of which 24,000 are in custody, according to Congress MP Manish Tewari.
While India has not resisted taking back the undocumented immigrants, their treatment – handcuffing and shackling them – hurts the country’s image. It has also become a point of debate between the Opposition and the Indian government.
India is likely to bring up the issue of deportation, asking for better treatment of the deportees during the PM’s visit. Modi would also discuss H-1B visas, important for Indian IT workers, to ensure no changes in this programme.