There were high expectations for the highly anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Modi and his “dear friend” Donald Trump. It was not disappointing. PM Modi entered the White House with a solid handshake and a warm embrace, but as the US President announced hefty reciprocal tariffs, there was a noticeable coldness. It didn’t help that it was only one degree in Washington, DC.
Everything appeared to go smoothly as soon as the prime minister touched down in the US. In an unusual move for a foreign leader to visit, the tricolor was flown in place of the US flag at Blair House, where PM Modi stayed. There were also other important meetings scheduled with high-ranking Trump administration officials, including US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and tech tycoon Elon Musk.
However, even as Trump’s promised tariffs hung over the meeting, the camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display. After giving PM Modi a brief embrace and handshake, Trump showered his guest with appreciation. “We really did miss you a lot… Before introducing the Prime Minister to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Elon Musk, and other officials, Trump remarked, “It’s great to see you again.” As the two leaders sat down for their bilateral, Trump pulled a chair for PM Modi in an unusual gesture that has already gone viral on social media.
In actuality, Trump added a personal touch to his present to Modi. The book ‘Our Journey Together’, which includes photographs of the events from their rallies during Trump’s first term as president, was given to the prime minister by the president. The two presidents’ admiration for one another was evident throughout the joint press briefing. To add his own spin, the prime minister appropriated Trump’s “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) catchphrase.
PM Modi, who is well-known in his native country for his fondness for acronyms, did not let the Americans down. “President Trump often talks about MAGA. In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in the American context translates into MIGA (Make India Great Again). When the US and India work together, this MAGA plus MIGA becomes a ‘MEGA’ partnership for prosperity,” the Prime Minister said. Trump, who never backs down, retaliated by praising the Prime Minister’s “negotiating” abilities. “He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest,” Trump said.
The strong optics and the exchange brought back memories of the cordial ties between the presidents during Trump’s first term. The gatherings in Ahmedabad and Houston were reminiscent of the ‘Namaste Trump!’ and ‘Howdy, Modi!’ eras. However, the harsh realities of commerce and tariffs were hidden behind the surface of mutual respect and affection.
Trump imposed broad reciprocal tariffs, this time excluding India, only hours before his “great friend for a long time” summit. Trump claimed that India was “at the top of the pack” in terms of tariffs in an interview with reporters. At the joint press session, he also brought up the subject. In his characteristically aggressive manner, an unflappable Trump declared, “We charge them whatever India charges,” with Prime Minister Modi at his side. Therefore, to be honest, we don’t really care what they charge anymore.”
Given that the US is India’s top export market, the action is probably going to raise the cost of textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural exports. The necessity of a “certain level-playing field” was emphasized by the US president.
“Today, the US trade deficit with India is almost USD 100 billion, and Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed that we will be negotiating to address the long-running disparities,” Trump stated during the briefing. Even though Trump may have mixed praise and pressure on India during the visit, PM Modi emphasized the most important lesson as he left for India: “Adding significant momentum to the India-USA friendship.”
