Washington:
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday offered India advanced fighter jets while he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to strengthen trade ties, reaffirming a strategic partnership despite the U.S. administration’s tough stance on global trade.
Modi, the fourth world leader to visit the White House since Trump’s return, referred to the American president as a friend and even adapted Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan to highlight shared economic goals.
Trump expressed admiration for Modi, noting their “special bond” and humorously acknowledging the Indian leader as a “tougher negotiator” than himself.
Viewing India as a vital partner amid China’s growing influence, Trump announced plans to supply India with the F-35 stealth fighter jets—one of the U.S. military’s most advanced aircraft.
“Starting this year, we will significantly increase military sales to India, amounting to billions of dollars,” Trump said during a joint press conference with Modi.
“We are also preparing to provide India with F-35 stealth fighters,” he added.
With this deal, India would join a select group of nations, including NATO allies, Israel, and Japan, that have access to the cutting-edge aircraft, which can evade detection while flying at supersonic speeds.
India’s current air fleet mainly comprises aging Russian jets along with a limited number of French Rafale aircraft.
Beyond defense, Trump reaffirmed previous plans, originally pushed by former President Joe Biden, to develop a major trade route connecting India, Israel, and Europe through investments in ports, railways, and undersea cables.
Despite his focus on strengthening trade ties, Trump has remained firm on economic policies. Just before meeting Modi, he announced new reciprocal tariffs affecting all countries, including India.
Standing beside Modi, Trump described India’s “unfair, very strong tariffs” as a “big problem” but expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations to address the trade imbalance.
Modi emphasized that India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, and the U.S., the largest, would work on a “mutually beneficial trade agreement” expected to be finalized soon, with energy cooperation—particularly in oil and gas—being a key focus.
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk also joined the meeting, fueling speculation about his role in U.S.-India relations. Modi later held a one-on-one discussion with Musk, raising questions about whether the meeting was official or related to business ventures.
Following their meeting, Modi shared images of himself and Musk in conversation, with Indian officials on one side and children accompanying Musk on the other.
Ahead of his visit, Modi approved tariff reductions, including a cut on high-end motorcycles—a move benefiting Harley-Davidson, a brand Trump had previously voiced concerns over due to its difficulties in the Indian market.
Additionally, India recently permitted a U.S. military flight carrying 100 detained migrants as part of Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement policies.
