Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, India in talks with US for combat weapons
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New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, India is in talks with Washington for the purchase and co-production of combat vehicles as well as a finalization on a fighter jet engine deal, Reuters reported citing sources.
India, the world’s largest arms importer, used to rely on Russia for the same, but Trump asked Modi last month to buy more US-made security equipment.
In a statement on Monday, Modi said, "Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US."
He added, "This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience," Reuters quoted.
Recalling his meeting with Trump in 2019 when he was in power, the prime minister said he was looking forward to meeting his ‘friend’.
He will leave for France this evening to co-chair a summit on artificial intelligence, followed by a two-day visit to the US.
The official said that Modi is preparing for more tariff cuts on imports from the USA in an attempt to boost American exports to India and avoid a potential trade war.
According to Reuters, India and the US have been in protracted discussions over the co-production of Stryker combat vehicles made by General Dynamics. These products are also used by the US Army.