Modi to Meet Trump to Strengthen Ties Amid Trade and Immigration Tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, aiming to strengthen ties and avoid tensions over tariffs and immigration. 

Modi shared strong relations with Trump during his first term and was quick to congratulate him on his re-election. To ease trade friction, India recently reduced tariffs on high-end motorcycles, benefiting American manufacturer Harley-Davidson. It also accepted a US deportation flight carrying 100 shackled migrants as part of Trump's immigration policy.

Despite their rapport, a major US-India trade deal remains unresolved. Trump has previously criticized India as the "biggest tariff abuser," making trade a key issue in their talks. Former National Security Council official Lisa Curtis noted that Modi is preparing carefully to avoid Trump’s anger on trade matters.

India has supported Trump’s immigration policies by tightening control on illegal migration. While the US mainly focuses on Latin American deportations, India is the third-largest source of undocumented immigrants to the US. The recent deportation of Indian migrants in shackles led to protests and criticism from the opposition in India.

Modi is unlikely to focus on human rights concerns, an issue Trump has largely ignored compared to the previous Biden administration. Modi's Hindu-nationalist government shares similarities with Trump’s political approach, with both leaders emphasizing majority interests.

Modi previously hosted Trump at a massive rally in Gujarat in 2020, and Trump may visit India later this year for a Quad summit with leaders from Australia, Japan, and India.