PM Modi meets Trump, Elon Musk In Washington amid trade, security talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Washington, D.C., for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The discussions come at a time of heightened tensions over trade tariffs, immigration policies, and Trump's controversial Gaza peace plan. Modi's visit includes high-profile meetings with business magnate Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit:

Trump To Announce New Tariffs: The U.S. President is set to hold a press conference at 11:30 PM IST, where he is expected to introduce “reciprocal tariffs.”

Modi’s Strategic Talks With Musk: PM Modi is scheduled to meet Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk before his official bilateral discussions with Trump.

Focus On Trade And Security: The meeting will cover trade policies, counterterrorism efforts, cybersecurity, and emerging threats.

Gift Diplomacy: India is expected to pledge increased purchases of liquefied natural gas, combat vehicles, and jet engines, along with potential tariff reductions on key U.S. exports.

Immigration And Foreign Policy Concerns: The visit is shadowed by mass deportations of illegal immigrants from the U.S. and the sensitive issue of India’s stance on Palestine.

Modi’s High-Stakes Meeting With Trump

This will be Modi’s first meeting with Trump since his return to the White House in January 2025. Trade tensions are expected to dominate talks, with experts predicting a “boxing match” over U.S. tariffs on Indian exports. Modi is also likely to seek concessions on trade and investment, particularly in the tech and defense sectors.

Modi-Musk Connection

PM Modi and Elon Musk have shared a long-standing rapport since their first meeting at Tesla’s San Jose facility in 2015. The two will discuss potential collaborations, including Tesla’s expansion plans in India and advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

Public Opinion And Political Reactions

As Modi engages in high-level discussions, political leaders back home are raising concerns. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned whether the Indian Prime Minister will address the deportation of Indian nationals and India's stance on the Gaza conflict.

Meanwhile, approval ratings reflect Modi’s strong global popularity. A recent Morning Consult survey ranked him as the most approved world leader (75%), while Trump stood at 52%.

Schedule At The White House (ET Time):

4:00 PM: Modi arrives at the White House

4:05 - 4:50 PM: Bilateral meeting with Trump

5:10 - 5:40 PM: Joint press conference

5:40 - 6:40 PM: Dinner hosted by President Trump

What’s Next?

The joint press conference will provide insights into the outcomes of the talks, particularly on trade and security matters. With Trump’s hardline stance on tariffs and Modi’s push for stronger economic ties, the negotiations will be closely watched by policymakers and industry leaders worldwide.