Trump and Modi Strengthen US-India Ties with Fighter Jet Deal and Trade Agreements - PRESS AI WORLD
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Trump and Modi Strengthen US-India Ties with Fighter Jet Deal and Trade Agreements

share-iconPublished: Wednesday, February 12 share-iconUpdated: Sunday, February 16 comment-icon9 months ago
Trump and Modi Strengthen US-India Ties with Fighter Jet Deal and Trade Agreements

Credited from: CHANNELNEWSASIA

Key takeaways from the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi include:

  • Agreement to increase military sales, including F-35 jets, to India.
  • Plans for a substantial trade deal to boost bilateral trade and reduce the US trade deficit.
  • Commitment to counter terrorism through enhanced security cooperation.

In a significant move to strengthen ties, President Donald Trump announced plans to sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to India during a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting, framed by both leaders as a "bromance," served to rekindle their bond and address multiple pressing matters concerning trade and defense.

As part of a broader security agenda, Trump pledged to dramatically increase military sales to India by "many billions of dollars" starting this year. This includes a proposal for India to acquire the F-35 stealth fighters, an offering that positions India among a select group of countries permitted to purchase these cutting-edge jets. Modi, appreciating the dialogue's spirit, called Trump a "great friend," highlighting the mutual respect that has developed between the two leaders since Trump's first term in office.

In discussing the underpinnings of their relationship, Trump praised Modi's negotiation skills, describing him as "a much tougher negotiator" than himself. The pair's dialogue extended beyond military sales, encompassing economic discussions aimed at addressing the longstanding trade disparities between the two nations. As reported, Modi highlighted an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, emphasizing the importance of energy cooperation and a focus on increasing imports of US oil and gas.

This emphasis on economic collaboration comes as Trump reiterated his concern about India's high tariffs and the significant trade deficit currently favoring New Delhi, which is estimated to be around $45.7 billion. The two leaders agreed to negotiate a framework to foster a more balanced economic relationship, with hopes of mitigating tariff concerns while also producing tangible benefits for both nations.

Security issues topped the agenda, with an emphasis on combating the threat of radical Islamic terrorism. Trump indicated that the US would advance military collaboration with India to "confront these threats like never before," underscoring an ongoing commitment to share resources and intelligence.

Moreover, Trump expressed satisfaction with upcoming agreements to extradite suspected terrorists to India, further reinstating a united front against global and regional threats. Notably, the meeting also witnessed endorsements of collaborative projects in space travel and infrastructure, including the development of trade routes that connect Indian and American markets.

The outcomes of this meeting illustrate a strategic realignment as both leaders look to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region. With enhanced military cooperation and an emphasis on trade, the meeting between Trump and Modi signals a continued partnership marked by shared interests and mutual benefits.

For more detailed coverage of the meeting and its implications for US-India relations, visit Al Jazeera.

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