PM Modi brings tariff ‘gift’ to Trump talks

PM Modi seeks trade concessions from Trump, offers business deals, and discusses China strategy in upcoming meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come bearing gifts when he meets U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (February 13, 2025), hoping concessions on tariffs, fresh business deals and the prospect of cooperation on China will win Mr. Trump’s favor.

Mr. Trump, not yet one month into his presidency, has wielded the threat of tariffs against friend and foe alike to try to extract new trade deals, investment or law enforcement help.

Also read: PM Narendra Modi U.S. visit live updates

India may not be an exception: Although Mr. Trump had a warm relationship with PM Modi in his first term, he has called India a “very big abuser” on trade and his levies on steel and aluminum hit India particularly hard.

Ahead of his White House meeting on Thursday (February 13, 2025), PM Modi has readied promises including increased liquefied natural gas, combat vehicle and jet engine purchases, according to Indian government officials who declined to be named.

Indian officials are also looking at trade negotiations, possible deals on U.S. agriculture exports to India and investment in nuclear energy, along with tariff cuts in at least a dozen sectors, including electronics, medical and surgical equipment, and chemicals.

Those are areas Mr. Trump’s team believes India needs to make improvements, according to another person familiar with their thinking.