Expert Highlights Concrete Demands for Modi-Trump Summit

Synopsis

Richard Rossow highlights the specific demands from both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi ahead of their crucial meeting. Key areas include trade, energy, and immigration policies, with hopes for a significant trade deal to invigorate stagnant commercial relations.

Key Takeaways

Concrete asks from both leaders.
Focus on trade and energy agreements.
Possible introduction of a reciprocal tariff system.
India may seek relaxation on US export controls.
Clarity needed on immigration policies.

Washington, Feb 13 (NationPress) Both sides have very "concrete asks" for the upcoming summit, stated Richard Rossow, a prominent US expert on bilateral relations, regarding the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, scheduled for later on Thursday.

"President Trump will advocate for specific commitments to boost purchases of US goods—especially defence equipment and hydrocarbons," Rossow informed IANS. "He will seek Prime Minister Modi’s agreement to ease some import restrictions. Another request from the US is for increased investments by Indian companies in the United States."

Trade and energy are expected to be the primary focus of this visit, marking the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since President Trump's return to the White House for a second non-consecutive term.

The American President might also introduce a reciprocal tariff system, which he mentioned on Wednesday that he plans to announce soon. It remains unclear how this announcement will affect trade with India, but the Indian delegation is ready for it.

"Prime Minister Modi will strive to accommodate as much as possible to prevent a trade conflict," Rossow, who leads the India Chair at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), remarked about the bilateral meeting scheduled for Thursday at the White House.

"The United States is a crucial export market for India. India may push for further relaxations on US export controls concerning sensitive defence and strategic technology items. Additionally, India will seek more clarity on the potential future of US immigration policy."

The ongoing deportations of Indians who entered the US without the proper documentation have added complexity to the immigration discussions between the two nations, along with concerns regarding the H-1B visa program, which is under review within the Trump administration.

"I hope the leaders provide clarity on existing bilateral channels, indicating which will persist, which will evolve, and which may cease to exist," Rossow concluded. "There is optimism that both sides might announce intentions to negotiate a substantial trade agreement, possibly concentrating on a few sectors. This would bring genuine momentum into commercial relations during a period when trade and investment flows are stagnant."