Trump Calls Modi a ‘Great Friend’ But Warns of Higher Tariffs on Indian Goods/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ During a White House meeting Thursday, President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend” but warned that India won’t be exempt from his new reciprocal tariffs. Trump, who has previously called India the “tariff king,” said U.S. tariffs will now match the import taxes India imposes on American goods. Modi responded by emphasizing India’s commitment to trade and diplomacy, while Trump also promised increased U.S. military sales to India and confirmed the extradition of a 2008 Mumbai attack plotter.
Trump-Modi Meeting: Quick Look
- New Tariffs on India: Trump matched U.S. tariffs to India’s existing import taxes.
- Trade Deficit Focus: U.S. seeks to reduce $50 billion trade gap with India.
- Military Sales: Trump pledged to increase U.S. arms sales to India, including the F-35 fighter jet.
- Extradition of Mumbai Attack Plotter: Trump confirmed the U.S. will extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana.
- Immigration Talks: India agreed to take back undocumented Indian migrants under Trump’s mass deportation plan.
Trump Calls Modi a ‘Great Friend’ But Warns of Higher Tariffs on Indian Goods
Deep Look: U.S.-India Trade & Tariff Battle
President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met at the White House on Thursday, discussing trade, defense, immigration, and global security. While both leaders exchanged warm words, Trump didn’t hold back on trade grievances, reinforcing his new reciprocal tariff policy.
“Whatever India charges, we charge them,” Trump said at a joint news conference with Modi. “So, frankly, it no longer matters to us that much what they charge.”
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs on India
India is now included in Trump’s global tariff overhaul, which aims to match the import duties of U.S. trading partners. The move is expected to:
- Increase costs for Indian exporters to the U.S.
- Spark potential retaliation from India on American goods.
- Raise tensions in an already fragile U.S.-India trade relationship.
Trade Deficit & Economic Impact
- India’s Trade Surplus with the U.S.: $50 billion in 2023.
- Total Indo-U.S. trade in 2023: $190.1 billion.
- U.S. exports to India: $70 billion, while India exported $120 billion to the U.S.
India’s Response: Modi Pushes for Trade Growth
Modi played down tensions, instead focusing on:
- Strengthening Economic Ties
- Expressed a commitment to increasing U.S. energy imports.
- Praised Trump’s “strong leadership” in global trade.
- “Make India Great Again” (MIGA)
- Modi borrowed Trump’s famous MAGA slogan, saying he aims to “Make India Great Again”.
- Defending India’s Global Stance
- Modi rejected claims that India is neutral on global conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- “India has a side, and that side is peace,” Modi said.
Defense & Security: U.S. to Expand Military Sales
Trump also announced:
- “Millions of dollars” in additional military sales to India.
- A possible deal for F-35 stealth fighter jets, which India has long sought.
Extradition of Mumbai Attack Plotter
Trump confirmed the U.S. will extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was convicted for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
“He’s going to be going back to India to face justice,” Trump declared. “We’re giving him back immediately.”
Immigration & Mass Deportation Talks
Trump also discussed immigration enforcement, focusing on:
- Deporting undocumented Indian migrants from the U.S.
- India recently accepting the return of 104 deported migrants.
- Over 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants currently live in the U.S.
- Increasing numbers of Indian migrants entering the U.S. via Canada.
Modi’s response: “Any verified Indian who is in the U.S. illegally, we are fully prepared to take them back to India.”
Elon Musk’s Role in U.S.-India Relations
Before meeting Trump, Modi also sat down with billionaire Elon Musk, who serves as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
When asked if Musk was involved in the meeting as a government official or a business leader, Trump responded:
“India is a very hard place to do business because of the tariffs. They have the highest tariffs, just about in the world.”
What’s Next?
- India’s Response: Will Modi impose counter-tariffs on U.S. goods?
- Trade Talks: Trump and Modi are working on a major trade agreement to be completed later this year.
- Military Deals: Will the U.S. finalize an F-35 fighter jet sale to India?
- Deportation & Immigration: How will India cooperate with Trump’s mass deportation plan?
Trump’s latest trade move could reshape U.S.-India relations, making 2025 a pivotal year for economic and diplomatic ties.
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