Tulsi Gabbard Meets Modi Amid US-India Strategic Talks
As the US and India seek to strengthen their strategic partnership, the meeting between Modi and Trump will focus on key areas like trade, energy, and defense, with India aiming to reduce its trade deficit and the US pushing for a "fair trading relationship", while also discussing the recent tensions surrounding Trump's trade tariffs and his Gaza peace plan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington D.C. for a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen ties and address trade, tariffs, and visa concerns, while also meeting with US intel chief Tulsi Gabbard to discuss key issues.
The meeting between Modi and Trump is expected to focus on boosting bilateral ties, including cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defense, technology, and immigration. India is seeking to strengthen its economic growth and reduce the US-India trade deficit, while the US is pushing for a "fair trading relationship". The two leaders will also discuss the recent tensions surrounding Trump's trade tariffs, his Gaza peace plan, and mass deportation of illegal immigrants.
In a significant development, India is in talks with the US to purchase and co-produce combat vehicles, including the Stryker, and finalize a deal for fighter jet engines. The Stryker vehicles, made by General Dynamics, were demonstrated to the Indian Army last year, and the country plans to acquire a few hundred with an anti-tank guided missile system, with the option to co-produce them through a state-run firm. The fighter jet engine deal, agreed upon in 2023, is expected to be finalized by March.
Modi's meeting with Tulsi Gabbard marks an important step in strengthening US-India relations, as the two countries seek to cooperate on key issues like energy, technology, and defense. The US has been pushing for India to reduce its dependence on Iranian oil, following the re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran. India has also been keen to develop its nuclear energy sector, with the US offering to provide technology and expertise.
The meeting between Modi and Trump will be closely watched, as the two leaders seek to navigate the complexities of the US-India strategic partnership. With issues like trade, tariffs, and visas on the agenda, the meeting is expected to be crucial in shaping the future of US-India relations.
