Takeaways from Modi, Trump meeting: Cooperation on trade and defense — plus some mutual praise

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the United States President Donald Trump have spoken about easing tariffs and resolving trade concerns between the two countries, while also shoring up defense ties. The two leaders held a meeting at the White House on Thursday. Even though Trump warned that India won’t be spared from higher tariffs, the meeting signaled New Delhi and Washington could offer concessions to strengthen economic ties at a time when Trump has been imposing strong tariffs on other trade partners. Trump said the U.S. will increase its military sales to India and eventually provide F-35 stealth fighter jets. Meanwhile, Modi offered to double bilateral trade with Washington to $500 billion by 2030.