Trade, defence, and immigration dominated discussions during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, shortly after Trump announced new reciprocal tariffs, emphasizing that India ranked "at the top of the pack." The high-level meeting, held within Trump’s first month back in office, produced notable agreements, including the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack suspect Tahawwur Rana to India and a potential F-35 fighter jet deal.

During their joint press briefing, PM Modi announced that India and the US had set an ambitious target of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. To reduce the trade imbalance, India is expected to increase imports of American oil and gas.

Despite the backdrop of tariff tensions, the camaraderie between the two leaders was evident. They exchanged warm gestures, with Modi playfully acknowledging Trump’s association with the word “deal.” Trump, in turn, praised Modi as a “tougher and better negotiator” than himself.

Key Outcomes of Modi-Trump Talks Trade emerged as a central theme during the joint briefing. PM Modi highlighted the $500 billion bilateral trade goal and plans to boost energy imports from the US. Trump confirmed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a significant development for India, calling him “one of the world’s truly evil individuals.”

Strengthening defence cooperation, Trump announced plans for increased military sales to India, including the offer of fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later clarified that the jet deal remains at a proposal stage, with formal negotiations yet to commence.

Putting his own spin on Trump’s “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) slogan, PM Modi spoke of India’s pursuit of “Viksit Bharat,” likening it to “MIGA” (Make India Great Again). He described the India-US partnership as a “MEGA” alliance for prosperity when combining MAGA and MIGA.

When questioned about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace while acknowledging Trump’s efforts to ease tensions. “India is not neutral; we stand for peace,” he stated.

On the political upheaval in Bangladesh, which led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Trump dismissed rumors of US deep state involvement, deferring to PM Modi. “I’ll leave Bangladesh to him,” Trump said.

Following the recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, PM Modi assured that India would accept all verified citizens and emphasized collaborative efforts to curb human trafficking.

Both leaders unveiled the ‘TRUST’ initiative to strengthen cooperation between governments, academia, and private sectors across defence, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, and space technology.

Trump lauded Modi’s negotiation prowess, calling him a “better negotiator” and a “longtime friend.” He also expressed willingness to mediate in India’s border disputes with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), noting the ongoing violence. “If I can help, I’d love to, because that situation needs to end,” he remarked.