PM Modi US Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the US on Thursday early morning on a two-day visit. After reaching the US, PM Modi met US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard. The Senate, the upper house of the US Parliament, has confirmed the appointment of Tulsi Gabbard as National Intelligence Director yesterday.
Regarding this meeting, PM Modi wrote- During the meeting, congratulated Tulsi Gabbard on her appointment. Discussed many issues related to better relations between India and America, which she has always been a supporter of.
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PM Modi visited France before arriving in the US. Where he co-chaired the AI Summit with the French President and discussed several bilateral issues. Modi will hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump today. Apart from this, he will also meet several business leaders and people of the Indian community.
PM Modi US Visit: Strengthening Ties with President Trump and Industry Leaders
The Ministry of External Affairs informed about this visit on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and called it an important step in the relations between the two countries. The ministry also said that Prime Minister Modi will also meet members of the US Cabinet and prominent leaders of the industry. Let us tell you that when PM Modi meets President Trump, he will be the third world leader to meet the new US President. The meeting of top leaders of India-US within just a month of Trump’s swearing-in shows the importance of growing relations between the two countries.
PM Modi US Visit amid Trump’s aggressive tariff stance
PM Modi’s visit to the US is taking place at a time when President Trump is showing an aggressive stance on tariffs to countries around the world. Trump says that he has prepared his toughest tariff policy. The US President said that this will be a reciprocal tariff, meaning that whatever tariff a country imposes on the US, we will also impose the same tariff on them.
If reciprocal tariffs are imposed, it will also affect India. India was the 8th largest exporter to the US in 2022. India imposes an average tariff of 9.5% on US products while the US imposes a 3% tariff.
The main issues of PM Modi US visit
This visit is not only an opportunity to take bilateral relations to new heights, but will also provide a golden opportunity to discuss issues that impact America’s domestic agenda and global trade. The main issues that are going to be discussed between the two leaders during this visit are as follows.
Personal rapport: Modi-Trump relationship
The personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump can play an important role in the success of this visit. The two leaders had established a deep rapport during their visits to each other’s countries in 2019 and 2020. The “Howdy Modi” event held in Houston in 2019 and Trump’s Ahmedabad visit in 2020 are evidence of this relationship. Both leaders are known for strong leadership and economic nationalism. This can give a new direction to their meeting. Apart from this, both countries have seen China and radical Islam as a common threat, which can further strengthen this partnership.
Immigration and deportation: A sensitive issue
Issues related to Indian immigrants are also expected to figure prominently during the visit. The US recently deported 104 illegal Indian immigrants, and more than 800 more are likely to be deported. The Indian government has expressed concern over the mistreatment of its citizens in the US and has expected humane treatment from the US. Currently, around 7.25 lakh NRIs live in the US, of which about 20,000 have been marked for deportation. Modi’s visit is expected to further clear the legal channel for immigrants so that Indian citizens can travel to the US for study, work, and tourism.
Tariffs: A contentious issue
Trade relations between India and the US are also an important aspect of the visit. President Trump has accused India of being a “tariff king” and the two countries have been locked in a dispute over trade tariffs. The Trump administration has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel, which has hit Indian companies hard. Indian companies are worried about their survival in the US steel market. Modi plans to discuss this issue.
India has recently cut tariffs on high-end motorcycles and electric batteries, which could pave the way for negotiations on a trade deal between the two countries. Apart from this, Modi may also point to the possibility of cutting tariffs on goods produced in US Republican states, such as bourbon and pecans.
Defence cooperation: An emerging partnership
Defence cooperation between India and the US may also be discussed during this visit. The two countries have been strengthening trade and cooperation in defence equipment in the last few years. It is expected that new defence deals may be announced during this visit. Apart from this, Indian companies are in talks to increase the purchase of US energy supplies, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG). This energy cooperation can further strengthen the trade relations between the two countries.
Strategic approach towards China
Indo-US relations are characterised by the fact that the US views India as a traditional ally and not as a threat. In contrast, the US views China as a strategic rival and India can make an important contribution to US policy against China.
President Trump’s administration is known for taking a tough stance on China, and India has been given an important place in America’s strategic relations. Prominent leaders such as US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Senator Rubio have expressed support for increasing US-India defense cooperation.
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PM Modi will have dinner with Trump
According to media reports, Modi’s delegation will attend a total of 6 meetings. Modi’s last meeting will be at 4 pm on Thursday (2:30 am on Friday night according to Indian time). After this, Modi will have dinner with the US President.
Modi and Trump can also interact with the media at the White House. Modi’s visit to America is taking place at a time when the city is in the grip of cold due to snowfall and hail. He will stay in the President Guest House i.e. the luxurious Blair House. It is right in front of the White House. World leaders stay in this guest house.
PM Modi can also meet Elon Musk
According to media reports, PM Modi can also meet Tesla CEO Elon Musk. This meeting will take place on Friday as per Indian time. PM Modi’s meeting with Musk, who is close to Trump, has been fixed at the last moment. Trump-Musk can discuss and decide about setting up Tesla’s EV plant in India. During his US visit, PM Modi will also hold meetings with other businessmen. There is a possibility of an investment agreement between India and America.
Earlier, PM Modi left for the US on Wednesday evening after completing his two-day visit to France. Emmanuel Macron himself reached Marseille airport to see off PM Modi.
