President Trump is hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington Thursday in an effort to mend relations and forge strategic trade and defense partnerships. As tariffs and geopolitical shifts loom, both leaders seek to deepen US-India ties and bolster their nations' global standings. Modi aims to improve relations with the US after tensions due to his stance on Russia's war on Ukraine. Key areas of discussion include trade, technology, defense, and energy partnerships. Modi says the visit is a chance to "deepen our partnership."
India is adjusting tariffs to strengthen trade ties, reducing tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 50% to 40%. In 2023, India also removed tariffs on US almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts. A defense agreement allows General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics to produce jet engines in India. The US also plans to sell MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to India.
Recently, Modi's party won a significant state legislature election in India, strengthening his position. India accepted the return of 104 migrants under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)