Modi, Trump is looking for a fair agreement in a world in difficulty – Firstpost

In a move reminiscent of an outsider in front in a final of the Eagles-Versus-Chief Super Bowl, the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025 in Washington looked like a race. During a meeting billed not only of politics but of personal palpable chemistry.

The two leaders noted that their nations were ready to reshape a partnership for several decades for the Maga (Make America Great Again) challenge.

Modi has entered the fray with a silent and confident determination, a bit like a football team underestimated on paper while performing a daring and unexpected strategy. This calm determination was equaled by the characteristic warmth of Trump – a personal touch that highlighted his own appreciation for leaders who, like him, appreciate a strong personal relationship.

In terms of defense, the meeting has transmitted a clear message: the equipment is always important. India has ordered six new P-8i Maritime Patrol planes-a paving stone for its anti-submarine war and its emblematic maritime domain of its increasing confidence in American technology. This agreement is more than a simple transaction; It indicates a commitment to protect regional waters and strengthen the strategic posture of India.

Energy discussions aimed to balance India’s trade surplus. Now the United States is far from India, but promising $ 25 billion in oil and gas imports over a decade, India wants to report housing. It is likely that insisting on the inclusion of transport costs. New Delhi aims to take advantage of the drop in prices – powered by American lobbying for a drop in OPEC prices – not only to secure a good deal but also strengthen its negotiation weight with the cartel.

In parallel, nuclear energy has become a crucial border. Based on the framework of the nuclear agreement signed during the mandate of Manmohan Singh, India tracks down a path to a future fueled by small modular reactors. However, the devil is in detail: progress depends on the question of whether Washington will share advanced technology and if New Delhi can accelerate the reforms of its nuclear responsibility laws.

The discussion concerning the discussion surrounding the electric vehicle sector of India and the imminent entry of Tesla on the market. The equations have changed from previous flirtations with the idea of ​​manufacturing Tesla locally. In this new calculation, Elon Musk, whose entrepreneurial style has often made comparisons with a modern thief baron, may well find in India fertile land – the government offers relaxations related to production in prices and gatherings of subsidies existing for electric vehicles. At almost 170%, Indian car prices on luxury cars are simply not durable.

F35: Lightning Long Shot

India has never bought a fighter plane in the United States, although it approached an agreement in the early 1960s. India did not trust US restrictions on use and values ​​its strategic autonomy . However, with only 30 squadrons, including 2/3 over 20 years old, the IAF is taken in a jam. His house LCA does not come in scalable number for a decade. He faces China with his 5th generation fighters, and some of them can end up being bought by Pakistan.

That said, it is still unlikely that India will buy the F-35 in a hurry, given its unit cost for 100 million dollars. The United States will also have reservations since India, like Turkey, another customer, operates the Russian S400 missile. India is unlikely to see the fighter plane the best and most expensive in the world of its strength. However, there is the question: how does IAF stop the gap? Are the United States offering an award ceremony? The external luck remains.

The overall story of the summit, however, was not one of the isolated agreements but of a complete and multifaceted partnership. The two nations have emerged from discussions as a confidence partners rather than price. Modi’s Bold Gambit – TO Slow Targeted Tariffs and Instratead Embed Fair Trade Principles Within A Structured Bilateral Deal – SIGNALS A Broader Strategy That Campassas An Investment Guarantee Treaty, Increased Defense Procurement, and Concessions on US Manifaceted Goods, Even as India Remains on any problem. It will not be child’s play.

Indeed, economic issues are high. In 2023-24, the United States was the largest trading partner in India, the bilateral trade in goods reaching $ 119.71 billion-managers set a goal of $ 500 billion. With the India market and American capital, this is possible. India is counting on the flexibility of Modi and the pragmatism of Trump. Stay; It could be fun!

The writer is a main journalist with defense expertise. The views expressed in the above room are personal and only those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the first.