U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and security partnerships during a high-level meeting at the White House.
Modi set an ambitious target to double bilateral trade between the two nations to $500 billion by 2030, while Trump emphasized his goal of reducing the U.S. trade deficit with India. The agreements come in the wake of Trump's recently unveiled reciprocal tariff roadmap, which imposes duties on nations that place tariffs on U.S. imports.
Speaking at the meeting, Trump highlighted the $100 billion U.S. trade deficit with India and announced the commencement of negotiations to address long-standing trade disparities.
“Today, the U.S. trade deficit with India is almost $100 billion, and Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed that we’ll begin negotiations to address the long-running disparities… We can make up the difference very easily with the sale of oil and gas,” Trump stated.
As part of the discussions, the U.S. will expand its energy exports to India, positioning itself as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas and nuclear technology.
In a significant move to bolster defense ties, Trump confirmed that the U.S. will increase military sales to India beginning in 2025. As part of the deal, India will receive F-35 fighter jets, a decision widely viewed as a strategic counterbalance to China’s expanding military influence in the region. Security concerns also took center stage, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism. Trump announced the approval of an extradition request for a suspect linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“Today, I’m pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters of the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India,” Trump said.
Echoing Trump’s sentiments, Modi emphasized India's dedication to the fight against terrorism.
“We stand strongly together in the fight against terrorism… That criminal is now going to be handed over to India, and appropriate action will be taken,” Modi affirmed.
Beyond trade and security, the discussions extended to tariffs, energy exports, and strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump reiterated India's role as a key buyer of U.S. energy resources.
“The Prime Minister and I reached an important agreement on energy that will restore the United States as a leading supplier of oil and gas to India,” he stated.
With negotiations set to commence on a formal trade deal, both nations are poised to strengthen their economic and security partnership, with defense and energy agreements slated to take effect in the coming years.
The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
North Korea has urged the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about its mainland security, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The statement follows U.S. assessments of North Korea’s ICBM capability to reach American territory.
Cyclone Zelia is weakening as it moves south, but not before battering Western Australia’s Pilbara coast with wind gusts of up to 290 kph (180 mph) and heavy rain. Authorities are now assessing the damage, reopening roads and ports, and warning of ongoing flood risks.
The Trump administration’s early approach to ending the Ukraine war has left allies and analysts uncertain, as conflicting statements from top officials raise questions about its negotiation strategy with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia’s assault without U.S. support. His remarks come after phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.
At least 23 people were killed when a truck carrying passengers and goods overturned in the northern Nigerian city of Kano. The driver lost control, causing the truck to plunge into an underpass in the Hotoro district on Thursday night.
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan met US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference. They discussed trade, defence ties, Ukraine, and Gaza. Fidan stressed Türkiye’s stance on counterterrorism and the need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
North Korea has urged the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about its mainland security, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The statement follows U.S. assessments of North Korea’s ICBM capability to reach American territory.
The iconic Dubai Fountain will close for five months starting in May for a major upgrade, enhancing its technology, choreography, and sound system. Visitors can expect a more spectacular show when it returns in October.
Apple is reportedly working on a version of AirPods Pro with integrated cameras, set to launch as early as 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the cameras won’t be featured in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, the new tech aims to enhance AI-driven features and spatial audio integration.
Public sector strikes are causing major disruptions across Germany, including halted public transport in Frankfurt, as workers demand higher pay and better conditions.
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
At least 23 people were killed when a truck carrying passengers and goods overturned in the northern Nigerian city of Kano. The driver lost control, causing the truck to plunge into an underpass in the Hotoro district on Thursday night.
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan met US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference. They discussed trade, defence ties, Ukraine, and Gaza. Fidan stressed Türkiye’s stance on counterterrorism and the need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
The Trump administration’s early approach to ending the Ukraine war has left allies and analysts uncertain, as conflicting statements from top officials raise questions about its negotiation strategy with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia’s assault without U.S. support. His remarks come after phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.
At least 23 people were killed when a truck carrying passengers and goods overturned in the northern Nigerian city of Kano. The driver lost control, causing the truck to plunge into an underpass in the Hotoro district on Thursday night.
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan met US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference. They discussed trade, defence ties, Ukraine, and Gaza. Fidan stressed Türkiye’s stance on counterterrorism and the need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
North Korea has urged the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about its mainland security, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The statement follows U.S. assessments of North Korea’s ICBM capability to reach American territory.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment