India-US relations will be strengthened: Modi; India is not a business-friendly nation: Trump

Modi: India-US Relations Will Be Strengthened; Trump: India Is Not a Business-Friendly Nation

The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump took place at the White House. Both leaders did not miss the opportunity to praise each other during the joint press conference. The discussions led to significant announcements in trade and diplomatic relations. Trump stated that the mastermind behind the Mumbai attacks, Tahawwur Rana, would be extradited to India. Additionally, an agreement was made for India to purchase more fuel from the US.

However, Trump remained firm on tax-related decisions and did not agree to any exemptions in discussions with India. He reiterated his policy of imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries that levy taxes on the US. Trump also insisted that India should reduce its import duties. Modi affirmed that India would work closely with Trump to strengthen bilateral ties, while Trump mentioned that India would significantly increase its purchase of oil, petroleum products, and gas from the US.

When Trump questioned how the two nations could counter China together if the US took a tough stance on trade with India, Modi responded, "When India and America come together, one plus one is not two, but eleven." Meanwhile, Trump announced that from this year onward, India would receive more weapons, including F-35 fighter jets.

Narendra Modi has now become one of the first world leaders to hold official talks with Trump after his re-election. Modi is also expected to invite Trump to India for the upcoming Quad Summit later this year. Prior to this meeting, the Indian Prime Minister also held discussions with billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla-SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.