Trump and Modi Have White House Meeting Amid Trade War and Discussion of Military Alliances

President Donald Trump welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House, calling him a “great friend” but also warning India would not be spared higher tariffs. Trump decried India’s tariffs on imports as “unfair” and said the U.S. would continue its efforts to balance trade with India, which has a $50 billion trade deficit with the U.S.

Both presidents talked about improving economic relations, with Trump offering a potential gigantic trade deal within the next few months. They also talked about security collaboration, with Trump revealing plans to increase American defense sales to India, including potentially providing F-35 fighter jets.

Trump also addressed backing the extradition of a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attack to India for justice. Modi, on his part, complimented Trump’s efforts at engaging with global leaders and emphasized India’s commitment to peace.

Although they had been negotiating over trade, Trump’s recently instated tariffs covering countries like India are still on the table for disagreement, and their negotiations even touched on deportations and immigration. Modi even suggested that India was willing to take back unlawful migrants from America.