In a pivotal meeting that could reshape global dynamics, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened to discuss a range of strategic issues. The meeting, held with the backdrop of rising global tensions, focused on countering China's influence, addressing terrorism, and strengthening economic ties. Both leaders emerged with a pledge to increase trade and cooperation, underscoring the significance of their partnership in the current geopolitical landscape.
The agenda of the meeting predominantly revolved around enhancing security measures. Both nations recognized the threat posed by terrorism and agreed on the necessity of concrete actions to combat it. Trump emphasized the collaborative approach, stating that the United States and India would confront radical Islamic terrorism together, highlighting its global threat. Modi echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for Trump's commitment to extraditing Tahawwur Rana, a convicted individual linked to terrorism against India.
“We agree that in order to eliminate cross-border terrorism, we need concrete actions. And I’m very grateful to President Trump that, in 2008, somebody who carried out genocide in India – that criminal is now going to be handed over to India.” – Modi
“In addition, the United States and India will be working together like never before to confront the threat of radical Islamic terrorism – a threat all over the world, actually.” – Trump
“India and US will stand strongly together in the fight against terrorism,” – Modi
Economic discussions also took center stage, with both leaders addressing longstanding trade disparities. The U.S. faces a $45.7 billion trade deficit with India, largely attributed to India's high tariff rates on foreign goods. Trump has been vocal about these tariffs, even dubbing Modi as the "king of tariffs." However, Modi announced reductions in tariffs to facilitate greater access for U.S. goods in the Indian market.
“Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed that we will be in negotiations to address the long-running disparities,” – Trump
“But really, we want a certain level of playing field, which we really think we’re entitled to.” – Trump
Both leaders agreed to boost economic collaboration through a variety of sectors including space travel, artificial intelligence, and energy production. Trump announced plans to increase military sales to India by billions of dollars, further solidifying defense ties between the two nations.
“We agreed to work together to help build one of the greatest trade routes in all of history. It will run from India to Israel to Italy and onward to the United States, connecting our partners by ports, railways and undersea cables – many, many undersea cables,” – Trump
Throughout the meeting, both leaders exchanged accolades. Trump lauded Modi as a "great leader," while Modi hailed Trump as a "friend" and appreciated his strategy of keeping national interests paramount. Modi even borrowed Trump's famous slogan for his vision of a developed India.
“The people of America are aware of President Trump’s motto, ‘Make America Great Again’ or MAGA,” – Modi
“Borrowing an expression from the US, our vision for a developed India is to ‘Make India Great Again’, or MIGA. When America and India work together, when it’s MAGA plus MIGA, it becomes mega – a mega partnership for prosperity.” – Modi
“One thing that I deeply appreciate and I learned from President Trump is that he keeps the national interest supreme,” – Modi
“And like him, I also keep the national interest of India at the top of everything else.” – Modi
Despite efforts to bolster bilateral relations, the meeting did not shy away from contentious issues. Trump's criticism of Russia's actions in Ukraine surfaced during discussions, highlighting his belief that such geopolitical tensions would have been avoided under his leadership.
“Russia has gotten themselves into something that I think they wish they didn’t. If I were president, it would not have happened,” – Trump
“Now, Russia’s taken over a pretty big chunk of territory. And they also have said from day one, long before President Putin, they’ve said they cannot have Ukraine be in NATO. They said that very strongly. I actually think that that was the thing that caused the start of the war.” – Trump
The meeting was seen as an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to each other amid rising global uncertainties. With shared goals of enhancing trade and security cooperation, they set a foundation for future collaborations that could redefine international relations.
