Modi, Trump reaffirm strategic ties, sign landmark energy deal amid tariff tensions

By R Anil Kumar

WASHINGTON. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 13, marking their first interaction since Trump’s return to the presidency on January 20. The meeting, charged with symbolism and strategic significance, underscored the leaders’ mutual admiration while navigating delicate trade issues.

In a warm display of camaraderie, the two leaders embraced and shook hands, with President Trump telling PM Modi, “We missed you a lot.”

Both reaffirmed the “special bon” between the world’s largest and oldest democracies and pledged to enhance cooperation in energy, technology, and security.

Major energy agreement signed

A highlight of the visit was the signing of a major agreement making the US the top supplier of oil and gas to India.

“India is going to purchase a lot of our oil and gas,” Trump declared after the meeting, calling it a “wonderful development” for both economies.

The deal signals a deeper energy partnership and reflects India’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy imports amid global uncertainties. Modi hailed the agreement as a step toward “strengthening India’s energy security and strategic autonomy”.

Trade and tariff tensions

The talks, however, were shadowed by Trump’s fresh announcement of reciprocal tariffs, aimed at levelling what he calls a “highly unfair” global trade playing field. Hours before meeting PM Modi, Trump said the US would begin imposing tariffs equal to those charged by its trade partners – singling out India for having “more tariffs than nearly any other country”.

Despite the concerns, both leaders expressed confidence in reaching a mutually beneficial trade deal. Modi emphasised that India and the US are working toward a target of $500 billion in bilateral trade and that dedicated teams are collaborating on finalising a comprehensive agreement.

“We will find common ground, as we always have,” Modi said.

Trump echoed the sentiment, praising Modi as “a much tougher and better negotiator than me”,while hinting at upcoming “separate big trade deals”.

Security and global cooperation

The two leaders also discussed regional security, particularly the India-China border tensions.

“I would love to help,” Trump offered, in reference to the dispute. Both underscored their commitment to countering terrorism, with Trump announcing the approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, calling him “one of the very evil people of the world”.

Modi, in turn, reiterated that India and the US have long stood “shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism”.

In a significant development, Trump revealed plans to significantly boost military sales to India, potentially paving the way for the transfer of F-35 stealth fighter jets. This move is seen as a strategic counterbalance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Other high-level meetings

Modi’s two-day visit began with meetings at the Blair House, including with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and newly appointed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who was sworn in just hours before their meeting. Modi also met Republican leader and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk to discuss investment and technology collaboration.

Modi’s trip to the US follows a two-day visit to France, where he held talks with President Emmanuel Macron on Artificial Intelligence and civil nuclear cooperation.

As his US visit concluded, Modi expressed optimism about the trajectory of India-US ties.

“This is an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in President Trump’s first term and to develop an agenda that further elevates our partnership,” he said.

While tariff uncertainties remain, the February 13 meeting reaffirmed that personal rapport and shared strategic interests continue to drive the India-US relationship forward.