Trump pledges to increase arms sales to India

US President Donald Trump pledged to strengthen cooperation in the energy and strategic sectors with India during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. He also vowed to increase arms sales to New Delhi.

During their meeting, Trump and Modi exchanged praises, reflecting their previously strong rapport during their earlier terms in power.

They expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, with the US announcing plans to export F-35 stealth jets to India.

“Starting this year, we’ll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars,” Trump said at a joint press conference with Modi.

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India has been steadily increasing its arms purchases from the US in recent years, having received over $20 billion worth of weapons since 2008.

New Delhi is expected to raise its military spending to $200 billion over the next decade.

However, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the F-35 deal has not yet been finalised but is under negotiation.

Trump also expressed interest in developing a trade route project similar to China's Belt and Road Initiative. The proposed corridor would pass through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Greece. However, Israel’s war on Gaza has halted progress on the project.

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Additionally, India is set to receive an increased supply of gas and oil from the US to help reduce its trade deficit with Washington.

Modi also praised Trump’s decision to approve the extradition of Chicago-based businessman Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian-Pakistani accused of planning a terrorist attack on a news outlet in Denmark. Rana is also alleged to have been involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which Modi described as 'genocide.'

Regarding high tariffs on foreign goods imposed by India, Trump warned of reciprocal action, stating that the issue would be addressed through negotiations.