Modi and Trump discuss trade but face challenges after tariff announcements

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump, seeking concessions to improve trade relations. However, Trump announced new tariffs on Indian exports and criticized India's high tariffs, indicating a challenging path ahead for negotiations. Despite the tough stance, Modi secured an agreement to pursue a bilateral trade pact, allowing for future negotiations. India also committed to increasing purchases of US energy and weapons, including the potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets. The leaders pledged to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, but India's tariff policies remain a significant hurdle. Modi left the meeting without assurances regarding the H-1B visa program for Indian workers, and discussions on Indian billionaire Gautam Adani were not addressed.