Washington DC:

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the United States and left for New Delhi, the American media was all praises for the manner in which PM Modi dealt with US President Donald Trump, calling it a “masterclass for other leaders around the world”.

PM Modi, who is one of the first few world leaders to meet Donald Trump and hold bilateral talks, was in Washington on the same day as Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on US’ allies and competitors alike.

President Trump, who has called India a “tariff king” and a “massive abuser of tariffs” in the past, said he was “excited” to see PM Modi. “Prime Minister Modi is a great leader,” he said, adding that “We’re going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and the US.”

By the end of the meeting, despite the pressure of Trump’s tariff announcement that same day, PM Modi turned the bilateral meeting into an opportunity. According to the joint statement issued by both nations, the US and India went on to secure significant agreements on trade, energy, defence, security, manufacturing, and technology among others.

Speaking about the manner in which PM Modi dealt with Donald Trump, CNN’s senior journalist Will Ripley said, “I think we have now seen, first with Japanese prime minister Ishiba’s very positive meeting with Trump, and now what apparently is a very positive meeting with Trump and prime minister Narendra Modi – this is a masterclass for other leaders around the world to know how to walk into a negotiation with President Trump.”

He went on to say that “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi understood the assignment. It could’ve been bad. Prime Minister Modi was in DC on the same day Trump announced dreaded reciprocal tariffs. Despite trade friction, both sides walked away with deliverables on a potential trade deal, energy, military, etc.” he wrote on social media website X.

Indian Prime Minister Modi understood the assignment in his 8th meeting with President Trump. It could’ve been bad. Modi was in DC on the same day Trump announced dreaded reciprocal tariffs. Despite trade friction, both sides walked away with deliverables on a potential trade… pic.twitter.com/73xjKfVP6w

— Will Ripley (@willripleyCNN) February 14, 2025

“By the end of the meeting, we saw that they announced the best possible outcome – that they will fast-track negotiations on a trade deal. India is also getting more US investment in nuclear energy, and also being offered the F-35 (stealth fighter) jets. Both sides came out with gains,” he said.

He also praised PM Modi’s ‘MIGA + MAGA = MEGA – a mega partnership for prosperity’ slogan, saying that “this is exactly the kind of messaging and clever branding that Trump likes to hear”.

Donald Trump also praised PM Modi’s negotiating skills at a press briefing after the two leaders held hour-long bilateral talks where trade for high on the agenda. On being asked by a reporter about who is a tougher negotiator, Donald Trump said, “He (PM Modi) is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

In a joint statement issued by both countries, India and the US have pledged to more than double the two-way trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 and announced plans for a bilateral trade agreement with a view to bring down duties and increase market access in both nations.
 

Washington DC:

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the United States and left for New Delhi, the American media was all praises for the manner in which PM Modi dealt with US President Donald Trump, calling it a “masterclass for other leaders around the world”.

PM Modi, who is one of the first few world leaders to meet Donald Trump and hold bilateral talks, was in Washington on the same day as Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on US’ allies and competitors alike.

President Trump, who has called India a “tariff king” and a “massive abuser of tariffs” in the past, said he was “excited” to see PM Modi. “Prime Minister Modi is a great leader,” he said, adding that “We’re going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and the US.”

By the end of the meeting, despite the pressure of Trump’s tariff announcement that same day, PM Modi turned the bilateral meeting into an opportunity. According to the joint statement issued by both nations, the US and India went on to secure significant agreements on trade, energy, defence, security, manufacturing, and technology among others.

Speaking about the manner in which PM Modi dealt with Donald Trump, CNN’s senior journalist Will Ripley said, “I think we have now seen, first with Japanese prime minister Ishiba’s very positive meeting with Trump, and now what apparently is a very positive meeting with Trump and prime minister Narendra Modi – this is a masterclass for other leaders around the world to know how to walk into a negotiation with President Trump.”

He went on to say that “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi understood the assignment. It could’ve been bad. Prime Minister Modi was in DC on the same day Trump announced dreaded reciprocal tariffs. Despite trade friction, both sides walked away with deliverables on a potential trade deal, energy, military, etc.” he wrote on social media website X.

Indian Prime Minister Modi understood the assignment in his 8th meeting with President Trump. It could’ve been bad. Modi was in DC on the same day Trump announced dreaded reciprocal tariffs. Despite trade friction, both sides walked away with deliverables on a potential trade… pic.twitter.com/73xjKfVP6w

— Will Ripley (@willripleyCNN) February 14, 2025

“By the end of the meeting, we saw that they announced the best possible outcome – that they will fast-track negotiations on a trade deal. India is also getting more US investment in nuclear energy, and also being offered the F-35 (stealth fighter) jets. Both sides came out with gains,” he said.

He also praised PM Modi’s ‘MIGA + MAGA = MEGA – a mega partnership for prosperity’ slogan, saying that “this is exactly the kind of messaging and clever branding that Trump likes to hear”.

Donald Trump also praised PM Modi’s negotiating skills at a press briefing after the two leaders held hour-long bilateral talks where trade for high on the agenda. On being asked by a reporter about who is a tougher negotiator, Donald Trump said, “He (PM Modi) is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

In a joint statement issued by both countries, India and the US have pledged to more than double the two-way trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 and announced plans for a bilateral trade agreement with a view to bring down duties and increase market access in both nations.
 

New Delhi:

America’s most popular bourbon whiskey, known for its hint of sweetness, has got a sweet deal in India. Hours before PM Modi held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump, where the two leaders discussed trade and tariffs among several issues, India slashed import duty on bourbon whiskey by as much as 66.6 per cent – effectively making it one-third the cost it is currently.

In the days and weeks leading up to the key meeting between the two global leaders, India warmed up to negotiating mega trade deals with the US by announcing significant tariff cuts on several US products as a gesture of promoting trade.

The massive drop in customs duty on bourbon whiskey – from 150 per cent to 50 per cent – was notified on February 13 by the Department of Revenue. The reduction in tariffs however, is specifically for bourbon whiskey. All other imported alcoholic beverages will continue to attract 100 per cent import duty.

American bourbon whiskey accounts for as much as one-fourth or 25 per cent of all such liquor imports in India. In 2023-24, India imported bourbon whiskey worth USD 2.5 million. The major exporting countries include the US (USD 0.75 million), UAE (USD 0.54 million), Singapore (USD 0.28 million) and Italy (USD 0.23 million).

At a press briefing at the start of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump said “Prime Minister Modi is a great leader,” adding that “We’re going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and the US.”

The two leaders held another press conference immediately after the bilateral talks where trade for high on the agenda. On being asked by a reporter about who is a tougher negotiator, Donald Trump said, “He (PM Modi) is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

In a joint statement issued by both countries, India and the US have pledged to more than double the two-way trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 and announced plans for a bilateral trade agreement with a view to bring down duties and increase market access in both nations.

WHAT IS BOURBON WHISKEY?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey which is made from corn. It is known for its mild sweet taste. Aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon is made with at least 51 per cent corn – this is what gives it its distinct flavour. Just like how Scotch whiskey can technically only be made in Scotland, bourbon whisky also can technically be made only in the United States.

In 1964, Bourbon was recognised by the US Congress as a “distinctive product of the United States.” The largest bourbon distillers in the United States are from the states of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Major brands of bourbon whiskey which are available in India include, Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Gentleman Jack, and Old Forester.
 

New Delhi:

America’s most popular bourbon whiskey, known for its hint of sweetness, has got a sweet deal in India. Hours before PM Modi held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump, where the two leaders discussed trade and tariffs among several issues, India slashed import duty on bourbon whiskey by as much as 66.6 per cent – effectively making it one-third the cost it is currently.

In the days and weeks leading up to the key meeting between the two global leaders, India warmed up to negotiating mega trade deals with the US by announcing significant tariff cuts on several US products as a gesture of promoting trade.

The massive drop in customs duty on bourbon whiskey – from 150 per cent to 50 per cent – was notified on February 13 by the Department of Revenue. The reduction in tariffs however, is specifically for bourbon whiskey. All other imported alcoholic beverages will continue to attract 100 per cent import duty.

American bourbon whiskey accounts for as much as one-fourth or 25 per cent of all such liquor imports in India. In 2023-24, India imported bourbon whiskey worth USD 2.5 million. The major exporting countries include the US (USD 0.75 million), UAE (USD 0.54 million), Singapore (USD 0.28 million) and Italy (USD 0.23 million).

At a press briefing at the start of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump said “Prime Minister Modi is a great leader,” adding that “We’re going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and the US.”

The two leaders held another press conference immediately after the bilateral talks where trade for high on the agenda. On being asked by a reporter about who is a tougher negotiator, Donald Trump said, “He (PM Modi) is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

In a joint statement issued by both countries, India and the US have pledged to more than double the two-way trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 and announced plans for a bilateral trade agreement with a view to bring down duties and increase market access in both nations.

WHAT IS BOURBON WHISKEY?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey which is made from corn. It is known for its mild sweet taste. Aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon is made with at least 51 per cent corn – this is what gives it its distinct flavour. Just like how Scotch whiskey can technically only be made in Scotland, bourbon whisky also can technically be made only in the United States.

In 1964, Bourbon was recognised by the US Congress as a “distinctive product of the United States.” The largest bourbon distillers in the United States are from the states of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Major brands of bourbon whiskey which are available in India include, Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Gentleman Jack, and Old Forester.
 

Washington DC:

Immediately after their hour-long meeting where US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the entire gamut of India-US bilateral ties, the two leaders held a joint press conference where they took questions from the international media.

With Donald Trump announcing sweeping reciprocal tariffs for all countries as a tit-for-tat trade policy hours before his meeting with PM Modi, one of the questions asked to President Trump was about who is a tougher and better negotiator – him or Prime Minister Modi? To this, the US President swiftly replied “He is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

#WATCH | Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump says, “He (PM Narendra Modi) is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

(Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/V8EzU0FfE9

— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2025

Speaking specifically about reciprocal tariffs, President Trump said that “it is only fair that taxes and tariffs are reciprocal.” Explaining his point he said that over time “many attempts have been made” by the US to reduce tariffs on US exports, “but since that has not worked out, we have now decided to reciprocate in the exact same way – something that has not been done before.”

Trade and tariffs have been a top priority for Donald Trump in his efforts to “make America great again”. On multiple occasions in the past, Trump has said “tariff” is his favourite word in the dictionary and that he is convinced they are key to the revival of the US economy.

Even on Thursday evening (US Eastern Time), Donald Trump said “We (US) have been a great economy, the number one in the world – still is – but, ever since Covid, the economy has been under stress. We will now revive it,” he said while answering another question on tariffs.

The two leaders spoke to the press even before the bilateral talks began. Donald Trump praised PM Modi saying “Prime Minister Modi is a great leader,” adding that “We’re going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and the US.”

Besides trade and tariffs, the two leaders had a detailed discussion on matters concerning regional and global security, the India-US defence partnership, foreign investment, energy, technology, education, visas, and immigration.

PM Modi is one of the first global leaders to travel to the US for an official visit and meet Donald Trump after his electoral win. This is PM Modi’s 10th visit to the United States as prime minister and fourth with Trump as President.
 

Washington DC:

In a big announcement after his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump said that United States has agreed to extradite 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India. The key accused in the 26/11 terror attack is currently at a high-security prison in the United States and India has been seeking his extradition for years.

“We are handing over a very dangerous man to India, one who is accused of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack,” President Trump said.

As recently as January 21, 2025, the US Supreme Court rejected Tahawwur Rana’s review petition paving way for his extradition to India. “In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating next steps in this case,” the US State Department had said.

“We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice,” the statement added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the US’s stand to extradite the terror accused and thanked President Trump to confirm his extradition. “A perpetrator of the Mumbai terror attack is being extradited for his interrogation and trial in India. I thank President Trump for expediting the process.”

Pakistani origin businessman Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai that resulted in the death of 164 people, will now be interrogated by Indian agencies and face trial in India.

Rana’s co-conspirators included, among others, David Headley. Headley pleaded guilty and cooperated against Rana.

Rana was previously prosecuted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The second superseding indictment charged him in three counts. The jury convicted him on Count 11 (conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in Denmark). The jury also convicted Rana on Count 12 (providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba).

174 people, including 20 security force personnel and 26 foreigners, were killed and over 300 were injured in the horrific terror attack that took place at Mumbai’s iconic Taj Mahal Hotel on November 26, 2008.
 

Washington DC:

US President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the West Wing lobby in the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday (local time). The two leaders shared a warm hug as they greeted each other.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff shared a picture of PM Modi and Donald Trump on X. While sharing the picture on X, Dan Scavino stated, “Behind Scenes in the West Wing lobby — @POTUS Trump welcomes Prime Minister @NarendraModi of India to the @WhiteHouse.”

The Indian delegation including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived at the White House soon after PM Modi’s arrival.

Ahead of PM Modi’s arrival, Indian flags were being put up at the White House. The Prime Minister is among the first few world leaders to visit the United States following President Trump’s inauguration. He has been invited to visit within three weeks of the new administration taking office.

Since November 2024, PM Modi and Donald Trump have spoken on the phone twice. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump as PM Modi’s Special Envoy. During the visit, EAM Jaishankar also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.

Ahead of his meeting with President Trump at the White House, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.

Earlier, a mobile billboard advertising truck in Washington, DC, displayed boards featuring pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump and a message that reads, “Paving the Path for Progress, US-India Alliance in Developing Skilled Workforce” and “Pillars of Friendship, Pathways of Progress.”

PM Modi arrived in the US after concluding his three-day visit to France. During his visit to France, PM Modi met with US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday (local time).

Following the meeting, the two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together. PM Modi also took the opportunity to share gifts with the Vance children and wished the Vice President’s son, Vivek, a happy birthday, according to the White House statement.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Washington DC:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met today for the first time since Trump returned to the White House for a second term. PM Modi is one of the first global leaders to travel to the US for an official visit and meet Donald Trump after his electoral win. 

The two leaders are holding bilateral talks at the White House where they will discuss the entire gamut of ties. The focus however, shall be on trade, tariffs, and immigration.

The two leaders shook hands and hugged each other before they sat together and addressed the international press at the White House immediately before holding bilateral talks. “I appreciate how President Trump always keeps his country first. I do the same – that is something that we have in common,” PM Modi said, to which Donald Trump added that “He is doing a great job in India and he (PM Modi) and I share a great friendship and we will continue to build on ties between our nations.”

The two leaders took questions from the media – including one on the Russia-Ukraine War as well as the crisis in Bangladesh and US’s deep state being allegedly involved in it. “The US has not been involved in Bangladesh,” said Donald Trump, adding that “I am leaving the Bangladesh issue to PM Modi” to resolve.

Answering the question on India’s possible role in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, PM Modi said “I support Donald Trump’s efforts towards finding a possible solution to end the war. The world somehow feels India has been neutral during the war. But I would like to reiterate that India has not been neutral – instead, it has been on the side of peace.”

“When I met President Putin, I had even said that ‘this is not the era for war’. I had also said that solutions cannot be found in the battlefield. They can only come when all parties sit at the table for dialogue,” he added.

On a question about tariffs and possible trade deals between India and the US, Donald Trump said “Prime Minister Modi is a great leader,” adding that “We’re going to make some wonderful trade deals for India and the US.”

However, just over an hour before the bilateral meeting, President Trump officially announced reciprocal tariffs on all nations. He also spoke about how India is “right at the top of the pack” when it comes to tariffs. PM Modi’s priority during the meeting is likely to be on negotiating favourable deals with Washington, with the aim to avoid high tariffs and expand the trade basket between the two nations.

Matters concerning foreign investment, energy, defence, technology, visas, and immigration are also high on the agenda.

This is PM Modi’s 10th visit to the United States as prime minister and fourth with Trump as President. Biden hosted him at a ceremonial state visit in 2024. PM Modi’s first visit to the US as prime minister was in 2014 when Barack Obama was the President.
 

Washington:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of ties between the two nations. This “official working visit” makes Mr Modi the fourth foreign leader to be hosted by the White House since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2025. Notably, this is the earliest visit by an Indian Prime Minister in the presidency of any US President in the near past.

Considering how the India-US relationship might pan out with Mr Trump being fickle, John Lipinski, director of elections at NBC News, said that Mr Trump focussed a lot on the ‘America First’ campaign and similarly he is focussing on economic issues, particularly trade, and immigration issues for the same reason. He added that these issues are going to be very consequential for India.

He also said that although India is an ally, Mr Trump’s behaviour has been seen as “out of portfolio” with allies too, considering how even a strong relationship with Canada could not save the latter from tariffs and even on the immigration front. He said that “Trump wants concessions, and he wants concessions from friends”.

Anirudh Suri of India Internet Fund said that since a lot of advisors of Mr Trump’s second administration are not DC based, “Economic interest arising out of, let’s say, Silicon Valley and other corporations in the US will play a very different role in determining policy towards India versus what we had seen in the Biden administration where the DC policy crew was driving the India relationship.” He also added that this time, the relationship will hold commercial value strongly from the US side as well, “We know that president Trump is very keen that India buy more military equipment from The United States, and that’s going to be a big aspect, looking at China as well.”

Overall, Mr Modi’s visit to the US is a significant opportunity for the two nations to strengthen their ties and address key issues in their bilateral relationship. With the visit taking place early in Mr Trump’s presidency, it is primarily about reaffirming relations with the US, rather than addressing long-term fissures in the relationship.
 

Washington:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently arrived in Washington, D.C. for a highly anticipated two-day visit to the United States. This significant trip marks his first visit to the U.S. since Donald Trump’s inauguration. Upon landing, Mr Modi was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered outside the Blair House to catch a glimpse of the Indian leader.

The excitement was palpable, with one young fan even donning a special “Made in India” dress to meet Mr Modi. The Indian diaspora in the U.S. is eager to see Mr Modi address pressing issues affecting their community, particularly those related to immigration. Many Indians in the U.S. are concerned about the renewal of work visas, since the possible termination of automatic work visa extensions may make it harder for skilled Indian workers to preserve legal status and continue employment.

In light of the ongoing tariff hike and illegal migrant issues, Mr Modi’s visit is seen as crucial in addressing these concerns. NDTV spoke with members of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. to gather their thoughts on what they expect from Mr Modi’s visit. The community’s expectations are high, with many hoping for clarity on immigration policies and stronger ties between India and the U.S.

During his visit, Mr Modi is expected to engage in discussions with U.S. leaders on a range of topics, including trade, defense, investment and technology. The visit is seen as an opportunity for India and the U.S. to deepen their cooperation and address common challenges. As Mr Modi navigates these complex issues, the Indian diaspora in the U.S. will be watching closely, hoping for positive outcomes that will benefit their community and strengthen ties between the two nations.