Modi-Trump bilateral meeting to focus on tariffs, trade and immigration

Trump and Modi, who share a bonhomie from the Republican leader's first term in 2016-2020, are likely to get down to some serious issues of trade cutting across the warm hugs amid the White House's increase in taxes on imports from all countries.

Though Trump is fond of Modi, the US President, who has levied 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports very recently, calls India a "very big abuser" on trade.

Modi is likely to promise Trump increased liquified natural gas, combat vehicle and jet engine purchases, the Indian government officials told Reuters in anonymity.

"Nicest guy, total killer," Trump's praise for Modi reads though the US President has often been critical of India.

In the backdrop of Trump's 'America First' agenda which helped him to sail through the 2024 US Presidential elections, the discussions on immigration between the two leaders will be followed closely.

The meeting will take place days after a massive controversy that broke out back in India after the illegal Indian immigrants were repatriated in a captive state with handcuffs and chains.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had responded to the row saying the government was engaging with the United States to ensure no Indian deportee is mistreated during the travel in the wake of 104 extradited nationals' claim that they were handcuffed and chained during the long journey.

Jaishankar issued a statement in Parliament in the backdrop of the Opposition's criticisms of the Centre over the way the deported Indians were treated.

Contrary to Trump's engagement with other nations on deportation, the bilateral exchanges were smooth on the issue of deportation of illegal immigrants.

Jaishankar, who was present at Trump's inauguration on January 20, had clearly stated India would take back all Indians who were illegally staying in the US.

Trump, who had a telephonic conversation with Modi, had said New Delhi would take necessary steps in repatriating its nationals illegally staying in the USA.

Modi, who checked in at the Blair House [the US Presidential guest house] on Wednesday, met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and congratulated her for assuming the new position.

The Prime Minister wrote on X, "Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary."

Modi and Gabbard held discussions on bilateral intelligence cooperation in disparate areas.

A statement by the PMO reads, "Prime Minister fondly recalled his earlier interactions with Ms Gabbard. The discussions touched on enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing.

"They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to a secure, stable, and rules-based international order,"

As per the schedule, Modi will hold the bilateral meeting with Trump at 16:05-16:50 [EST] followed by a press conference.

Trump will host a dinner for the Indian Prime Minister at 17:40-18:40 [EST].

Prior to his US visit, Modi's first stop was France where he participated in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit among various other programmes.