Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, aiming to further solidify their strong relationship and address key issues such as tariffs and immigration.
A joint press conference is expected to follow the meeting, a rare occurrence for Modi, who tends to rely on social media for communication rather than engaging with the press directly.
Ahead of his visit, Modi has made notable concessions on tariffs, including a reduction in duties on high-end motorcycles, a move likely to benefit Harley-Davidson, which has faced challenges in the Indian market.
In addition, India recently agreed to accept a US military flight carrying 100 migrants, supporting Trump’s immigration reform efforts. New Delhi has also pledged to take a “strong crackdown” on illegal migration within its own borders.
Vikram Misri, India’s top diplomat, commented that the two leaders share a “very close rapport,” though their partnership has yet to result in a major breakthrough on the long-awaited bilateral trade agreement.
Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump after his election victory in 2016, solidifying their personal relationship. For decades, US presidents have recognized India as a key ally, particularly in countering China’s rise.
However, Trump has also expressed frustration with India on trade issues, often criticizing the country for its tariffs. Trump’s stance on tariffs has been a central part of his foreign policy, often applying pressure on both allies and adversaries alike.
Experts believe Modi has prepared for this meeting carefully to avoid angering Trump, with Lisa Curtis, the National Security Council director on South Asia during Trump’s first term, noting that Modi is working to preempt any potential fallout.
At the same time, Modi’s government has responded to one of Trump’s key priorities by agreeing to take action on undocumented immigrants. While the public discourse has focused on Latin American migration, India is the third-largest source of undocumented immigrants in the United States, following Mexico and El Salvador.
Indian activists have protested against the deportation of migrants, with some even burning an effigy of Trump, while opposition parties in India have criticized Modi for being too accommodating.
While the meeting will likely touch on a variety of issues, it’s expected that Modi will steer clear of discussing India’s domestic record on religious minorities and the rights of Muslims, an area that has drawn some criticism from the international community, particularly under the Biden administration.
This meeting makes Modi the fourth world leader to meet with Trump since his return to office, following visits from the leaders of Israel, Japan, and Jordan.
Modi and Trump share common ground on certain issues, notably their focus on promoting the interests of their respective majority communities. Both leaders have been vocal in their efforts to push back against critics.
In 2020, Modi invited Trump to inaugurate the world’s largest cricket stadium in his home state of Gujarat, where they were met by a crowd of more than 100,000 people. Trump is expected to visit India later this year for the upcoming Quad summit, a strategic group involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.
The upcoming meeting between Modi and Trump is poised to deepen US-India ties, although the future of their partnership will depend on how the two leaders navigate complex issues like trade, immigration, and regional geopolitics.
