Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington coincides with President Donald Trump's announcement of increased tariffs on imports to match rates imposed by other countries. Modi seeks to strengthen ties with the US and avoid tariffs imposed on various nations. The visit comes after India's victory in a key state election and follows a pattern of recent trade deals and cooperation between the two countries.
President Donald Trump is expected to announce increases on U.S. tariffs to match the tax rates that other countries charge. This announcement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India arrives in Washington, hoping to avoid tariffs imposed by the new administration on various nations.
Modi, a nationalist who has praised Trump and celebrated his return to the White House, seeks to enhance relations with Washington and the West, particularly after India's refusal to condemn Russia's war on Ukraine. \Modi's visit follows his Hindu nationalist party's victory in a crucial state legislature election in India's federal territory, including New Delhi. The prime minister stated before departing for Washington that this trip presented an opportunity to 'deepen our partnership' in key areas such as technology, trade, defense, and energy. \Trump, a Republican, has already imposed tariffs on China and indicated further actions against the European Union. He has also threatened similar tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum originally implemented during his first term. Trump declared on his social media platform, 'TODAY IS THE BIG ONE: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS!!!' He has repeatedly labeled India a 'tariff king.' In response, New Delhi has demonstrated willingness to purchase more American oil and reduce its own tariffs on U.S. goods, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles, from 50% to 40%. Additionally, India lowered retaliatory tariffs on U.S. almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts in 2023. Recent agreements include a deal allowing U.S.-based General Electric to collaborate with India-based Hindustan Aeronautics to manufacture jet engines for Indian aircraft in India, and the sale of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. \Despite these developments, Trump remains critical of U.S. trade deficits globally, vowing to reduce them, including during his meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last week. The U.S. is India's largest trade partner, but the two countries maintain a trade deficit of $50 billion in India's favor. The Indo-U.S. goods and services trade reached approximately $190.1 billion in 2023. According to India's External Affairs Ministry, U.S. exports to India were worth nearly $70 billion, while imports amounted to $120 billion. A Trump administration official, speaking on a conference call with reporters, stated that India has made modest positive strides in trade. The official, requesting anonymity, said the goal is to finalize a trade agreement with India by the end of this year that the United States deems fair to both parties. \Modi's day began with meetings with national security adviser Mike Waltz, SpaceX founder and Trump administration official Elon Musk, and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who is planning to run for Ohio governor. A photograph shared on Modi's X account (formerly Twitter) showed the prime minister, accompanied by his delegation, engaging in warm conversation with Musk, who brought his children and executive Shivon Zilis, who is also the mother of three of his children. Modi and Trump are also expected to discuss immigration, with Modi highlighting India's acceptance of 104 migrants returned on a U.S. military plane, the first such flight to India as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border. For the Trump administration, India is considered crucial to the U.S. strategy of containing China in the Indo-Pacific. Modi's country will host a summit of the Quad group, comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, later this year
International Relations Trade Tariffs India United States Donald Trump Narendra Modi Quad China
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