Trump and Modi: Friendship Amidst Tariff Warnings “`

President Donald Trump warmly greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, calling him a close friend, but cautioned that India wouldn’t be exempt from the increased tariffs imposed on U.S. trading partners.

Trump, who previously criticized India’s tariffs, described Modi’s import taxes as “very unfair and strong.”

“Our tariffs mirror India’s,” Trump stated during their joint press conference. “Therefore, their tariffs no longer significantly affect us.”

Similar to his meetings with other world leaders, Trump emphasized eliminating the U.S. trade deficit with India. He proposed boosting U.S. energy exports to India, alongside a commitment to fairer trade practices. He also announced the initiation of a major trade deal with the potential for completion this year.

The U.S. trade deficit with India stands at $50 billion. Total bilateral trade in goods and services reached approximately $190.1 billion in 2023, with U.S. exports to India nearing $70 billion and imports at around $120 billion (according to India’s External Affairs Ministry).

Modi, echoing his usual praise for Trump, stated his intention to “Make India Great Again,” or “MIGA,” a play on Trump’s “MAGA” slogan.

Trump also pledged to support the extradition of one of the 2008 Mumbai attack plotters, seemingly referring to Tahawwur Hussain Rana, convicted in 2011 in the U.S. for plotting an attack on a Danish newspaper.

“He will return to India to face justice,” Trump declared. He later added that the extradition was immediate and more could follow.

Trump further announced a substantial increase in military sales to India, potentially paving the way for the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Before Modi’s arrival, Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs to match those levied by other nations, impacting various U.S. trading partners, including India.

Modi sought to avoid additional U.S. tariffs and to strengthen ties with Washington and the West, which had been strained after Modi’s refusal to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

“The world perceived India as neutral,” Modi explained, referencing Trump’s phone calls with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. “But India’s stance is clear: peace.”

Trump previously imposed tariffs on China, with plans for further tariffs on the European Union, and threats against Canada and Mexico. He also expanded existing tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The White House maintains that these “reciprocal” tariffs level the playing field for American manufacturers. However, these new taxes will likely be borne by American consumers and businesses through higher prices.

Even before Modi’s visit, New Delhi indicated a willingness to increase American oil purchases and reduce tariffs on U.S. goods. This included lowering tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 50% to 40%. India also removed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts in 2023.

Beyond tariffs, Trump has prioritized eliminating U.S. trade deficits globally, as evidenced by his meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Modi is the fourth world leader to visit Trump since his inauguration, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Prior to meeting Trump, Modi met with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and SpaceX founder Elon Musk.

Trump addressed concerns about Musk’s meeting with Modi, stating that India’s high tariffs create business challenges and suggesting Musk’s presence was likely due to his business interests.

Modi and Trump also discussed immigration.

India recently repatriated 104 migrants on a U.S. military plane—the first such repatriation under Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Over 725,000 Indian immigrants are unauthorized in the U.S., ranking third after Mexico and El Salvador (Pew Research Center data).

Recent years have seen a rise in Indian attempts to enter the U.S. via the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended over 14,000 Indians in the year ending September 30—60% of all arrests at that border, exceeding the number from two years prior by over tenfold.

Trump has pledged mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Modi affirmed India’s readiness to accept any verified undocumented Indian citizens.