LIVE | PM Modi-Musk meet begins

People closely tracking India-US ties said there is a possibility of both sides exploring the option of looking at a trade pact to avoid high tariffs and expand the overall trade basket.

In their meeting, the two leaders are likely to broadly focus on ramping up India-US cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defence, technology and immigration.

Apart from some possible sector-specific outcomes, it will be interesting to see the optics and what kind of broader signal the meeting between Modi and Trump, known for their personal bonhomie, produces with sensitive issues like immigration and tariff expected to be focus of the talks.

Illegal migration and deportation

The prime minister’s visit to the American capital comes days after the Trump administration deported 104 Indians in handcuffs and shackles on a military aircraft that sparked outrage in India.

Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament that New Delhi is in touch with the US to ensure that returning Indian deportees are not mistreated in any manner.

Another major issue on the table is set to be trade as Trump’s policy on tariffs on rivals and allies alike.

Tariff wars

Modi’s visit to the US comes shortly after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on global steel and aluminium imports into the US. The move is expected to hit the Indian firms exporting steel and aluminium to the US.

India has already indicated its readiness to adopt a more conciliatory approach on the sensitive issue unlike its hardline approach during Trump's first term.

It is learnt that New Delhi may consider slashing tariffs in at least a dozen sector provided some reciprocity by the White House. Modi and Trump are unlikely to discuss specifics on tariff but the two leaders may deliberate on a broader picture.

The bilateral trade between India and the US was around USD 130 billion last year.

Other topics

The two leaders are also likely to touch upon overall situation in the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine and developments in West Asia.

Modi and Trump, during a phone conversation on January 27, vowed to work towards a “trusted” partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence.

Following the phone talks, the White House said Trump emphasised the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trade relationship.

Modi and Trump are likely to focus on boosting the energy ties.

On February 1, New Delhi announced plans to amend its nuclear liability law and set up a nuclear energy mission.

Certain clauses in India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 have emerged as hurdles in moving forward in implementation of the historic civil nuclear deal that was firmed up between the two strategic partners around 16 years back.

It is learnt that India is looking at the possibility of civil nuclear cooperation with the US in the small modular reactors (SMRs).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met Tulsi Gabbard, US Director of National Intelligence, and discussed various aspects of ties between the two countries with focused on enhancing intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism and emerging threats.

Modi also congratulated Hindu-American Gabbard on her confirmation as the nation’s top intelligence official. She was confirmed on Wednesday.

“Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary,” Modi posted on X.

Discussions also focused on enhancing intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and emerging threats, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

“PM @narendramodi held a productive meeting with US Director of National Intelligence @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC today. Discussions focused on enhancing intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity & emerging threats,” the post said.

Gabbard was sworn in as director of national intelligence on Wednesday in the Oval Office, hours after the Senate confirmed her.

Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath of office to Gabbard, who Trump called “an American of extraordinary courage and patriotism.”

He noted that she was deployed three times in the Army National Guard and that she is a former Democratic congresswoman, riffing “can you believe that?” Gabbard, 43, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, had faced bipartisan scepticism about her suitability for overseeing the spy agencies.

Gabbard thanked the president for his trust in her and vowed to “refocus our intelligence community” after she was sworn in.

“Unfortunately, the American people have very little trust in the intelligence community, largely because they’ve seen the weaponization and politicization of an entity that is supposed to be purely focused on ensuring our national security,” the new intelligence chief said.

The Senate confirmed her in a 52-48 vote, following two months of deliberations in the over whether Gabbard is qualified enough to lead the intelligence agencies and prepare Trump’s daily intelligence brief.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from members of the Indian-American diaspora when he reached Blair House, the President’s Guest House.

Braving freezing temperatures and rain, the community members gathered at Blair House and welcomed him with “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, “Vande Mataram” and “Modi Modi” as they waved the Indian and American flags.

“A warm reception in the winter chill! Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them,” Modi said on X.