Modi, Trump Forge 'Mega Partnership' Amid Trade Tensions

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7 days ago

Above: Trump and Modi meet in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 13, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated 5 days ago

The Facts

During his official visit to the US, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Pres. Donald Trump on Friday and announced that the US and India will double bilateral trade to $500B by 2030 from the current $129.2B.
Meanwhile, Trump announced that his administration plans to sell F-35 stealth fighters to India and pledged to increase military sales by billions of dollars. He also confirmed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana — a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks — to India.
Both leaders agreed to expand energy cooperation, with Trump announcing plans to "restore America as a leading supplier of oil and gas to India" to help reduce the current $45.7B trade deficit.

The Spin

Narrative A

The US-India partnership represents a strategic alignment of mutual interests, with both nations working to counter China's influence while strengthening defense, energy, and economic ties. The agreements on F-35 fighters, energy trade, and infrastructure development demonstrate a deepening alliance between the world's largest democracies.

NDTV Profit The Economic Times

Narrative B

The meeting's timing and Modi's conciliatory approach suggest India's vulnerability to Trump's tariff threats, with the trade deficit remaining a significant point of contention. The rushed concessions on motorcycle tariffs and acceptance of deported migrants indicate India's compromised position in negotiations.

New York Times BBC News