Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday for discussions with former President Donald Trump, amid ongoing trade tensions. The meeting will include a joint press conference, highlighting trade disputes and tariffs, with a reported $45.6 billion trade deficit between the U.S. and India. Modi’s proactive measures, such as repatriating migrants, aim to ease tensions. Additionally, they are expected to discuss the ‘Quad’ alliance, enhancing defense cooperation, and the evolving U.S.-India relationship.
Modi’s Anticipated Visit to the White House
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his strong rapport with former President Donald Trump, is set to visit the White House on Thursday. This meeting arrives amidst ongoing trade tensions, as Modi seeks to navigate the complexities of U.S.-India relations while facing Trump’s tariff strategies.
In a notable occurrence, Modi will join Trump for a joint press conference at 5:10 PM local time (10:10 PM GMT), as announced by the White House. This engagement follows a warm reception Modi received from French President Emmanuel Macron during his recent trip to Marseille, France.
Addressing Trade Challenges and Strengthening Alliances
Since Trump’s inauguration, he has largely overlooked the Indian subcontinent, yet Modi’s visit comes at a critical time when trade disputes are at the forefront. The United States has reported a significant trade deficit with India, amounting to $45.6 billion in 2024, an increase from the previous year.
Potential points of contention between the two nations include trade tariffs, immigration policies, and relations with Russia. In an effort to foster goodwill, India has already agreed to repatriate 110 migrants expelled by the U.S. on a military aircraft, demonstrating a proactive approach to ease tensions.
Experts, including Lisa Curtis from the Center for a New American Security, suggest that India’s initiatives aim to mitigate any potential backlash from Trump. The leaders are also expected to discuss the enhancement of the ‘Quad’ alliance, a strategic partnership in the Asia-Pacific region that includes Japan and Australia. India plans to host the Quad leaders later this year, a move seen as a counterbalance to China’s growing military influence.
Modi’s last visit to the U.S. was in June 2023, where he received a grand welcome from President Joe Biden, highlighting the changing dynamics in U.S.-India relations. During that visit, Modi participated in a press conference, where he faced questions regarding India’s treatment of religious minorities, albeit with some reluctance.
Historically, the relationship between Modi and Trump has been characterized by public displays of camaraderie, often referred to as a ‘bromance’ by the media. Their connection was particularly showcased during Trump’s state visit to India in 2020, which included a large rally in Modi’s home state of Gujarat, further solidifying their bond.
In a recent conversation, Trump emphasized the importance of India enhancing its procurement of American military equipment, indicating ongoing discussions about defense cooperation between the two nations.