Modi-Trump meeting: F-35 jets, oil purchases among ‘wonderful trade deals’ US seeking with India

US President Donald Trump on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House, hailing him as a “great friend” while signalling that India will not be exempt from his administration’s tougher trade policies.

The leaders met in the Oval Office for wide-ranging talks on strengthening bilateral relations, covering defence, energy, and critical technology. Trump announced plans to finalise “some wonderful trade deals” with India, though he reiterated concerns over tariffs and market access.

“We are going to work with India. We have separate big trade deals to announce in the very near future,” Trump said.

Modi, in turn, congratulated Trump on his second term and expressed optimism about deepening economic ties.

“I firmly believe that in your second term, we will work with more speed,” he said.

Trade tensions between the two nations remain a sticking point. Trump, who has previously criticised India as the “tariff king,” called its import duties “very unfair and strong.”

“Whatever India charges, we charge them,” Trump said. “So, frankly, it no longer matters to us that much what they charge.”

Despite trade frictions, both leaders signalled progress on economic initiatives. India aims to double its trade volume with the US by 2030, while Washington is positioning itself as a leading energy supplier.

Modi offered to talk about easing tariffs, buying more American oil and gas and combat aircraft, including the F-35 stealth fighter jets, Trump said.

Trump’s new reciprocal tariff policy, announced earlier in the day, loomed over the meeting.

The policy seeks to match tariffs imposed by other nations on US goods. A White House fact sheet highlighted the disparity, noting that while the US applies an average tariff of 5% on agricultural imports, India’s average rate is 39%.

Beyond trade, the leaders discussed security cooperation. Trump confirmed the US had approved the extradition of a suspect linked to the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, calling it a step toward justice.

Modi also met with business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose satellite venture, Starlink, is eyeing the Indian market. Discussions with top US officials touched on counterterrorism and cybersecurity cooperation.

Tariff disputes and economic shifts

India’s trade surplus with the US stood at $45.6 billion, a figure that Washington seeks to narrow through increased American exports.

“India has very strong tariffs that limit our access to the Indian market,” Trump said at a press briefing following the talks.

The new reciprocal tariff policy is expected to put pressure on India to open its markets further to American goods.

“We want fair access to the Indian market, and we expect the same treatment that we offer,” a senior US trade official said.

Defence and energy cooperation

The meeting also marked progress on defence cooperation, with Trump confirming India’s interest in acquiring more American military hardware, including combat aircraft. The F-35, the most advanced stealth fighter in the US arsenal, was discussed as a potential future acquisition for India’s Air Force.

“We’re also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” Trump said.

India’s increased energy purchases from the US were also a key point of discussion. “We have more oil and gas than any other country in the world, and they need it,” Trump said, adding that India’s growing demand for energy presents an opportunity for American exporters.

Immigration and extradition agreements

Trump also highlighted the issue of unauthorised immigration, noting that India is a major source of both legal and undocumented migrants to the US. He confirmed that the US had approved the extradition of a suspect tied to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, adding that additional extradition requests could be processed soon.

“We’re giving him back to India immediately,” Trump said. “And there could be more extraditions coming.”