India-US Ties Reach New Heights as Modi and Trump Meet at White House
New Delhi, Feb 14: In a high-profile meeting at the White House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations despite lingering trade tensions.
The camaraderie between the two leaders was evident as they exchanged warm greetings and hugs, and Trump declared, "We missed you, we missed you a lot."
The meeting marked Modi's first visit to Washington since Trump’s return to the Oval Office on January 20 for his second term. It also positioned him among the first few world leaders to visit the U.S. under the new administration, emphasizing the strategic importance of the India-U.S. partnership.
A ‘Mega’ Partnership for Prosperity
During the joint media briefing, Modi drew parallels between Trump's signature "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan and India's goal of "Viksit Bharat 2047," dubbing it "Make India Great Again" (MIGA).
“When America and India work together, this MAGA plus MIGA becomes a 'mega' partnership for prosperity,” Modi said, highlighting the potential of their collaboration.
Trump, reciprocating the praise, hailed Modi’s leadership and India’s rapid development. "He's doing a really fantastic job. Everyone talks about it. He really is. A great leader," he said. Modi, in response, expressed gratitude, stating, "I thank you for your warm words, Mr. President, and I firmly believe that everyone in India respects your sentiments."
Trade and Tariffs:
The meeting took place against the backdrop of Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners, with India singled out for its “tremendous tariffs.”
"India is right at the top of the pack. India charges tremendous tariffs. I remember when Harley Davidson couldn't sell their motorcycles in India because the tariffs were so high. They had to build a factory in India to avoid paying tariffs," Trump had stated ahead of the meeting, reinforcing his "America First" stance.
Modi, in turn, highlighted India's push towards self-reliance while signalling a commitment to resolving trade issues amicably. “I’ve always appreciated and learned one thing from President Trump. He keeps national interests first. Like him, I also want to keep India's interests first. We are committed to creating a balanced and fair trade environment,” Modi said.
Both leaders announced a goal to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Trump expressed optimism about upcoming trade agreements, stating, "We are getting along well. We will do record business, record numbers. We have some big trade deals to announce in the near future."
Beyond trade, Trump and Modi discussed expanding cooperation in defence and energy. Trump revealed plans to boost exports of oil, gas, and defence technology to India, valued at "many billions of dollars."
The meeting also covered global security concerns, including China’s growing influence and regional stability. When asked about India and the U.S. working together to counter China's rise, Trump remarked, "We'll beat anyone we want, but we're not looking to beat anyone."
Modi reaffirmed India's strategic alignment with the U.S., saying, "I firmly believe with President Trump, we will work with twice the speed we did in his first term."
Despite the friction caused by Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, the overall tone of the visit remained positive. Modi’s emphasis on India’s national interest, alongside his nod to Trump's economic policies, demonstrated a careful balancing act aimed at securing favourable trade deals while maintaining strong diplomatic ties.
As Modi departed Washington, both leaders reiterated their commitment to a prosperous future for India and the U.S. “When we come together, we make 1+1 not 2, but 11,” Modi quipped, encapsulating the spirit of a partnership poised for greater achievements in the years ahead.
