New Delhi, 14 Feb : Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the White House as he arrived for his first meeting with US President Donald Trump since Trump’s return to office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20.
Welcoming PM Modi at the Oval Office, President Trump expressed warmth, saying, “We missed you a lot.” He introduced Modi to his senior officials, with tech billionaire Elon Musk also present at the meeting. The two leaders then held a 20-minute press interaction, where Trump reaffirmed their longstanding friendship, stating, “You have been my friend for a long time.”
Key Takeaways from the Modi-Trump Talks:
National Interest First: PM Modi emphasized that both leaders prioritize their nations’ interests in decision-making.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Modi welcomed Trump’s diplomatic efforts and reiterated that “this is not an era of war.”
Bangladesh Issue: When asked about Bangladesh, Trump directed the matter to PM Modi, indicating India’s pivotal role in the region.
Economic Partnerships: The two leaders discussed deepening trade and investment ties.
Trade, Tariffs & China
President Trump, addressing concerns over US-India trade relations, stated, “How are you going to fight China if you are tough with India on trade?” He assured that the US was in a strong position economically but was focused on constructive partnerships. “We are not looking to beat anyone; we are looking to do a great job. Our previous term was interrupted, but we are putting things back together, stronger than before,” Trump said.
On tariffs, Trump reaffirmed his policy of reciprocal taxation, stating, “They charge us a tariff, we charge them the same—no more, no less.” He specifically mentioned India as one of the countries imposing high import duties on American goods.
Modi’s Vision for India-US Relations
Expressing his enthusiasm, PM Modi said, “It is a pleasure to see you back in the White House. On behalf of India’s 140 crore people, I congratulate you.” He highlighted the opportunity to collaborate with Trump for another four years, emphasizing that their “trust, bond, and enthusiasm” would continue to strengthen the strategic partnership.
“India is going to be purchasing a lot of US oil and gas,” Trump announced, highlighting energy trade as a key area of cooperation.
Marching Toward Progress Together
PM Modi underscored the shared vision for prosperity, stating, “Together, we will march towards the progress of our two nations.” Trump echoed this sentiment, saying he anticipated “wonderful trade deals” between India and the US.
The meeting also took place amid ongoing trade tensions, with the Trump administration recently deporting 104 Indian nationals, sparking concerns in New Delhi. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured Parliament that India was actively engaging with US authorities to prevent mistreatment of deported citizens.
A Special Mention for The New Indian
During the press briefing, in a notable moment, President Trump publicly acknowledged The New Indian’s Editor-in-Chief, Aarti Tikoo Singh, saying he “liked her.” The New Indian was among the select media outlets covering the Modi-Trump Oval Office meeting, underscoring its growing global recognition.
