Trump May Sign Reciprocal Tariff Order
Modi and Trump to Hold Joint Press Conference
Modi Welcomed Grandly in Washington D.C.

Washington: Prime Minister Modi is on a visit to the United States. On Thursday, according to U.S. time, PM Modi and Donald Trump will meet and hold a joint press conference. However, before that, Donald Trump might surprise the world, including India. His action may not be very positive. Trump is expected to sign an executive order related to reciprocal tariffs before the meeting. This order would impose import tariffs on countries that impose tariffs on U.S. goods. Reciprocal tariffs are a trade policy in which one country imposes the same tariffs on another country’s goods as the latter imposes on its goods. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated in a press briefing on Wednesday, “I believe this will happen before the Prime Minister’s visit. The President will talk about it in detail.” Levitt also mentioned that other countries are “taking advantage” of the U.S.

Trump has previously criticized India’s import duty rates. According to a report by The Hindu, India was frequently mentioned during the testimony of Trump’s chief trade negotiator, Jamison Greer, before the U.S. Senate last week. As part of preparations for bilateral talks, India is considering reducing tariffs on U.S. dry fruits. In the budget presented on February 1, the Indian government reduced duties on several products imported from the U.S. Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on China and postponed the 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada until March 1.

PM Modi’s Welcome in the U.S.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump will host Prime Minister Modi. This will be the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders since Trump’s second inauguration as president. Modi posted on the social media platform ‘X’ with photos, “Just arrived in Washington, D.C. I am looking forward to meeting President Donald Trump and advancing the India-U.S. comprehensive global strategic partnership. Both countries will continue to work together for the benefit of our people and a better future.” Modi will stay at the U.S. President’s guest house, the ‘Blair House,’ located in the heart of the capital.

Upon arriving at the ‘Blair House,’ members of the Indian-American community gave a warm welcome to Modi. Despite the freezing cold and rain, community members gathered at ‘Blair House’ holding Indian and American flags, chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Modi Modi” to greet the Prime Minister. Modi expressed his gratitude on ‘X,’ saying, “A warm welcome despite the cold weather. The Indian diaspora has given me a very special welcome in Washington, D.C., despite the cold. I am grateful to them.”

What Might Be Discussed?
While Trump’s tariff policy has stirred a global uproar, the primary focus of Modi’s visit could be to prevent any punitive trade actions from the U.S. against India. Observers of India-U.S. relations have stated that both sides are likely exploring options to avoid high tariffs and consider a comprehensive trade agreement. In the meeting, PM Modi and Trump may focus on enhancing cooperation in areas like trade, investment, energy, defense, technology, and immigration. It will be interesting to see what kind of broad signals emerge from the meeting between Modi and Trump, who are known for their personal friendship. The discussions are expected to focus on sensitive issues like immigration and tariffs.