PM Modi's US Visit: A New Era in Indo-US Trade Relations?

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit the United States, experts predict potential agreements on tariffs and immigration. Executive Director Dhruva Jaishankar emphasizes building personal rapport, engaging in structured dialogues, and securing quick wins to strengthen India-US relations amid defense talks and trade deficit discussion.

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's imminent visit to the United States, Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America, has indicated the possibility of a critical agreement on tariffs. Speaking to ANI, Jaishankar stressed the likelihood of both nations agreeing on tariffs to avert tit-for-tat trade confrontations.

Jaishankar noted, "We may witness an accord where both countries commit to certain tariffs and arrangements to avoid future trade disputes. With India being a significant global steel producer, tensions could easily escalate." The contentious issue of illegal Indian immigrants and their deportations from the US is also expected to be addressed.

Highlighting India's longstanding policy on undocumented migrants, Jaishankar explained, "India is willing to reclaim its nationals if identified as overstaying or undocumented. Collaborative efforts with several countries focus on migrant identification procedures, although the topic has elicited negative perceptions domestically."

Four key agendas will dominate Modi and President Donald Trump's meeting: rebuilding personal rapport, sustaining high-level bilateral engagements, outlining resolutions for trade and immigration issues, and identifying quick wins beneficial to both nations.

In defense, two agreements are anticipated; India seeks to acquire more US aircraft while pursuing collaborative technological benefits on new platforms. Modi's visit, scheduled for February 12-13, marks his first meeting with Trump post the latter's re-election. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)