India's Modi heads to US to defuse Trump’s trade war

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is traveling to Washington in an effort to prevent a trade war with US President Donald Trump.

India is considering tariff reductions in at least a dozen sectors, including electronics, medical and surgical equipment and chemicals, to facilitate increased US exports while aligning with New Delhi's domestic production plans, according to three government officials.

The officials further stated that concessions are being considered on items India predominantly sources from the US or has the potential to import more of, such as dish antennas and wood pulp.

In a statement on Monday, Modi said, "This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his (Trump’s) first term."

During his two-day visit to the US starting Wednesday, Modi is also expected to propose increased energy and defense imports. India is currently negotiating with the US on the purchase and co-production of combat vehicles, and is in the final stages of securing a fighter jet engine deal.

Trump had urged Modi in a call last month to purchase more US-made security equipment, claiming it would move the relationship "toward fair trade."

Bilateral trade surpassed $118 billion in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with India maintaining a trade surplus of $32 billion. While trade relations have steadily expanded over the past decade, Washington’s growing interest in New Delhi primarily stems from its desire to counter China's regional influence.

On Sunday, Trump announced plans to impose a new 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the US, in addition to existing duties. He also intends to introduce reciprocal tariffs, which would take effect almost immediately.

Trump has previously accused India of being a "very big abuser" in trade.

An industry official warned that nearly a fifth of India's engineering goods exports—including steel and aluminum, worth approximately $25 billion—could be severely impacted if Trump's proposed tariff hike is implemented.

Outrage in India over US’s ill treatment of deported migrants

Indian lawmakers protest the way the US has deported more than 100 Indian migrants to their home country.

Another pressing issue is Trump’s relentless crackdown on migrants and India's pledge to severely curtail illegal immigration, which has further exposed New Delhi's subjugation to Washington’s demands. The US president claims Modi has assured him that India “will do what’s right” on the matter—yet another instance of New Delhi bending to American pressure.

Just last week, the US forcibly deported 104 Indian migrants, with many more set to be expelled in the coming months. Disturbing images of deportees shackled like criminals during a grueling 42-hour military flight have sparked outrage in India.

In reaction to the deportation, a senior Indian official merely suggested that “this kind of treatment can perhaps be avoided."

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