PM Modi and Donald Trump discuss defence, $500 billion trade deal amid tariff tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met at the White House on Thursday. They talked about trade, defence, and other key issues to strengthen the relationship between India and the US. Modi posted on social media, calling the meeting “excellent” and a great step forward for both countries.

Trade and defence deals

The meeting came just hours after Trump spoke about India’s high trade tariffs. He announced that India plans to buy more US-made defence equipment, including fighter jets. Modi said India aims to double its trade with the US by 2030. Trump also mentioned that the US could become India’s top supplier of oil and gas.

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Key agreements

One of the major decisions was the approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who is linked to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Trump called Rana “very evil” and said he should be brought to justice in India. The two leaders also discussed eliminating terrorism and agreed to take strong action against threats.

Trump said that military sales to India would increase, including plans to provide advanced F-35 fighter jets. Both leaders also talked about reducing trade barriers and making it easier for US companies to do business in India. Modi announced that India would reduce some tariffs to address the trade gap with the US.