Trump’s America First foreign policy is having dramatic effects. No one can afford to not take notice.
And now a top foreign leader groveled on hands and knees to Donald Trump.
Modi’s White House Visit: Trade Deals, Tariffs, and Trump’s Favor
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet President Donald Trump on Thursday, arriving with a host of trade concessions, business deals, and strategic cooperation offers—hoping to win favor with the America First leader.
Just weeks into his second term, Trump has once again wielded tariffs as leverage, pressuring both allies and adversaries to strike new trade deals, invest in the U.S., or step up cooperation on key policy issues. Despite his warm relationship with Modi in his first term, Trump has criticized India as a “very big abuser” in trade, with his steel and aluminum tariffs hitting the country hard.
Ahead of the highly anticipated White House meeting, Modi has prepared a series of promises, including increased purchases of liquefied natural gas, combat vehicles, and jet engines, according to Indian officials. Additionally, India is looking at potential trade negotiations, opening its markets to more U.S. agricultural exports, and investing in nuclear energy. Tariff reductions in key sectors such as electronics, medical equipment, and chemicals are also on the table—moves that align with Trump’s push for fairer trade terms.
“It’s a ‘gift’ for Trump,” said one source familiar with the discussions, previewing the private meeting.
Beyond trade, Modi is reportedly seeking assistance with the case of billionaire Gautam Adani, a close ally who was indicted by the U.S. Justice Department in November over an alleged bribery scheme—charges Adani denies.
Another thorny issue looms in the background: the alleged Indian intelligence plot to assassinate a Sikh activist on U.S. soil during the Biden administration.
Despite the broad agenda, trade is expected to dominate the discussions. “It’s going to be a boxing match,” said Richard Rossow of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “I think India is willing to take a few hits, but there’s a limit.”
The U.S. currently has a $45.6 billion trade deficit with India, and while America’s trade-weighted average tariff rate sits at 2.2%, India’s is much higher at 12%, according to WTO data. Trump’s administration has vowed to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax U.S. imports—fueling fears of a deepening global trade war.
Another key issue on Trump’s radar is unauthorized immigration. India remains a major source of migrants to the U.S., including high-skilled workers in the tech sector and those in the country illegally.
During his Washington visit, Modi is also expected to meet one-on-one with billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump ally. According to sources, the discussion could touch on Starlink’s bid to enter the Indian market.
Beyond trade and business, India plays a crucial role in Trump’s broader strategy to counter China. Both Washington and New Delhi are wary of Beijing’s military ambitions, and India competes with China in several global markets. However, India remains cautious, maintaining its foreign policy of “strategic ambiguity” to avoid direct confrontation.
Modi’s balancing act extends to Russia as well. Despite the West’s efforts to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine war, India continues to be a major buyer of Russian energy.
Meanwhile, Trump has ramped up diplomatic efforts, speaking directly with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy about potential negotiations to end the conflict.
Modi’s White House visit may offer insight into whether Trump will push key global players—India included—to apply pressure toward a resolution.
While trade and defense deals will take center stage, one thing is certain: Modi’s visit isn’t just about securing economic agreements—it’s about navigating Trump’s America First agenda and ensuring India stays in Washington’s good graces.
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