Modi Meets Trump: Tariffs, Immigration Key

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

PM Modi and Donald Trump will focus on tariffs and immigration during their meeting. Modi aims to reshape America’s ties with the world during Trump’s second term. Modi also has meetings scheduled with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Trade and strategic cooperation will also be discussed. India hopes to avoid Trump’s tariffs.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

PM Modi’s visit to the US is significant, with reciprocal tariffs and immigration expected to be key focus areas during his meeting with Donald Trump. As Trump aims to reshape America’s ties with the world in his second term, discussions will be closely watched. After a fruitful visit to France, Modi’s schedule in Washington DC includes meetings with tech titan Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

On Friday, PM Modi will hold a delegation-level meeting with Trump and key members of his Cabinet at the White House, followed by bilateral talks, a joint press conference, and a dinner hosted by the US President. The talks between the two leaders will be keenly watched, especially as India hopes to escape Trump’s potential tariff impositions. This meeting occurs amidst earlier tariff threats to India from the US President. The issue of the deportation of 104 illegal Indian immigrants, which led to uproar in India, may also be discussed.

PM Modi’s high-profile meetings will begin with talks with National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, followed by a meeting with Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The PM will also meet Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk’s meeting with PM Modi is particularly anticipated after the Tesla CEO cancelled his visit to India last year. Discussions may include Starlink’s plans to start satellite broadband services in India and the potential for establishing a Tesla factory in the country.

Hours before his meeting with PM Modi, Trump stated he would announce a reciprocal tariff plan on countries levying high import duties on US goods. India has so far escaped Trump’s tariffs, despite the US President previously referring to India as a “tariff king” and a “big abuser” of trade ties.

India has already made several trade concessions to the US, which was evident in the Budget, with reduced duties on items primarily exported by the US, such as Harley-Davidson bikes. During the bilateral meeting, the focus will be on trade, defense, and strategic cooperation. Reuters reports that the United States has a $45.6 billion trade deficit with India.

The meeting is significant as PM Modi is the fourth foreign leader to be hosted by Trump in his first month in office.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

PM Modi and Trump will have crucial discussions on tariffs and immigration. Modi’s meeting with Elon Musk is also important. India aims to avoid potential tariffs from the US. This meeting will shape future India-US relations.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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