At a joint news conference on Thursday, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted their strong relationship and outlined areas of economic and security cooperation.
The two leaders also discussed trade tariffs, immigration policies, and global security challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and China’s nuclear ambitions.
Key Highlights from the Trump-Modi Meeting
1. Russia-Ukraine War: No Clear Negotiation Plan
- Trump declined to specify what Russia should give up in peace talks to end its invasion of Ukraine.
- He criticized Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, suggesting it provoked Russia.
- “Maybe Russia will give up a lot. Maybe they won’t,” Trump said.
2. U.S.-China Relations: Concerns Over Nuclear Power
- Trump warned that China is rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities, predicting it will catch up to Russia and the U.S. in four to five years.
- He announced plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss nuclear de-escalation.
- “The whole world is on fire. I have to put out the fires,” Trump said.
3. Strengthening U.S.-India Defense & Energy Ties
- The U.S. will increase military sales to India to strengthen security cooperation.
- The two nations will work together to combat radical Islamic terrorism.
- India will become a top buyer of U.S. oil and gas, making the U.S. its leading energy supplier.
4. Major Trade Route Agreement
The U.S. and India announced plans for a new trade corridor connecting:
- India → Israel → Italy → U.S.
- This route will feature ports, railways, and undersea cables.
5. Trade Tariffs: Will India Get an Exemption?
- Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports take effect next month.
- He emphasized India will not receive special exemptions, despite Modi’s efforts.
- “They charge more tariffs than any other country,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. would match India’s tariff policies.
6. Immigration & Deportations
- India agreed to take back its citizens who are in the U.S. illegally.
- Modi acknowledged that many migrants are lured abroad by false promises and become victims of trafficking.
- The first deportation flight of undocumented Indian migrants has already returned to India.
7. Expanding India’s Diplomatic Presence in the U.S.
- India will open new consulates in Los Angeles and Boston, expanding its diplomatic reach.
- India already has embassies in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
Modi’s Meeting with Elon Musk
Before meeting Trump, Modi met with Elon Musk, who has expressed interest in expanding business in India.
Trump’s response: “I don’t know; they met. I assume he wants to do business in India.”
The Trump-Modi summit reaffirmed strong U.S.-India ties, but tariff disputes remain unresolved.
While Trump praised the partnership, his trade policies and deportation program could impact relations moving forward. Both leaders agreed on military, energy, and economic cooperation, signaling deeper collaboration in global affairs.
