Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
Foreign media focused on the flattery and trade friction during the Modi-Trump meeting. Several outlets noted differences over tariffs and immigration. Trump reiterated his concerns about tariffs with India. Modi vowed to protect India’s interests. The media analyzed the dynamics between the two leaders.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Modi-Trump Meeting: Through the Lens of Foreign Media, A Mix of Flattery and Friction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump garnered significant attention from global media, with many outlets noting the friction between the two sides over trade and tariffs. The meeting was a delicate balance between friction and praise.
The White House talks, spanning trade, defense, energy, and technology, marked the fourth visit by a world leader since Trump assumed the presidency, closely watched by allies and adversaries alike. Foreign media outlets dissected the cordial optics and underlying friction, weighing in on the meeting’s far-reaching impact. The friction points, however, were ever present.
Reuters led its coverage with: “Denouncing India tariffs, Trump agrees to trade talks.” The news agency highlighted Trump’s long-standing grievance against India’s “very high” tariffs. Hours before the leaders shared a warm hug, Trump announced a reciprocal tariff policy impacting all trading partners, including India.
“We are being reciprocal with India,” Trump declared. “Whatever India charges, we charge them.”
PM Modi vowed to protect India’s interests, while indicating India’s intention to ramp up US defense equipment purchases and energy imports, which Reuters described as “aspirational.” The media explored the friction caused by trade practices.
It noted it was “not clear” whether the case of billionaire Gautam Adani, accused of bribery in the US, came up. “Modi, irked by a question on whether he discussed Adani with Trump, said countries don’t meet to discuss such topics,” Reuters reported.
Associated Press took a similar angle: “Trump calls India’s Modi a ‘great friend’ but warns of higher US tariffs.” Despite Trump’s public declarations of friendship, he doubled down on settling the score with “tariff king” India.
Before PM Modi’s arrival, Trump signed an order implementing broad reciprocal tariffs, ensuring US import duties matched those imposed by trading partners. AP also highlighted the visit aimed to mend relations with Washington, recently soured over New Delhi’s neutrality on the Ukraine war. Attempts were made to ease the emerging friction.
The New York Times ran: “Trump and Modi Shove Disputes Into Background in White House Visit.” The newspaper described the meeting as a strategic effort by the Indian leader to accommodate Trump’s demands while softening public disagreements. The Times noted PM Modi “heaped praise” on the US President, declaring, “Make India Great Again.” The article emphasizes the importance of managing diplomatic friction.
“All the flattery concealed a number of tensions between the two nations, including on two of Mr Trump’s signature issues, trade and immigration,” the Times reported.
Fox News focused on PM Modi’s adoption of Trump’s branding, running: “Indian Prime Minister Modi takes page from Trump, says ‘Make India Great Again’.” The report touched on PM Modi’s remarks on national heritage and his vision for India’s development.
Al Jazeera focused on counterterrorism cooperation, with Trump’s pledge to extradite Tahawwur Rana, convicted in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The Qatar-based news outlet also noted US moves to ramp up military sales to India, after Trump announced that defense agreements would be worth “many billions of dollars.”
Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember
Foreign media reported Modi-Trump meeting, focusing on flattery & friction. Media analyzed trade, tariffs & immigration. Modi vowed to protect India’s interests.
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