Donald Trump’s ‘true friend’ tweet sets tone for meeting with Modi

NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump’s description of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “true friend” has set the tone for a productive maiden meeting between the two leaders on Monday.

However, the future course of bilateral partnership will depend on how both sides can deliver on each other’s priorities on a host of issues, such as over the Asia-Pacific and Afghanistan-Pakistan regions, defence, immigration and trade.

The stage has been set for the big meeting with warm tweets from both Modi and Trump in what is being described as an opportunity to start building chemistry between the two leaders. It is also an opportunity for both sides to set their priorities, building on achievements from the Bush and Obama years.

The White House has attempted to signal that on the eve of the meeting. Officials here told ET that Modi’s visit to Washington will help build a personal rapport between the PM and the President.

“Look forward to welcoming India’s PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday,” Trump said Saturday on his presidential Twitter account.

Look forward to welcoming India's PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!

— President Trump (@POTUS) June 24, 2017

“Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!” Thanking the President for the “warm personal welcome” Modi tweeted: “Greatly look forward to my meeting and discussions with you @realDonaldTrump.” Expanding defence ties and seeking technology transfer will be on the PM’s priority list.

Thank you @POTUS for the warm personal welcome. Greatly look forward to my meeting and discussions with you @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/lOfxlLI7v0

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2017

The Defence Technology and Trade Initiative that facilitates American arms technology transfers to India will be pushed by the PM. There are reports that the two leaders could hold discussions on a proposal for India to buy 100 armed Predator drones made by General Atomics and over support for India’s plans for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Besides deepening defence ties, the Af-Pak situation, terrorism in South Asia and the Pak role in sponsoring terror, and China’s ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region will be other key strategic issues that will be on the agenda. A White House official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity ahead of the visit said the US wanted to treat India as a major defence partner.

The Trump administration, just days ahead of Modi’s visit, announced an inter-agency review of American support to Pakistan, which may lead to a reduction in US aid for Pak. The Modi government, on its part, wants stronger commitment from the Trump administration to fight Pak-based terror groups, including JeM and LeT.

The two leaders could put in place a mechanism or arrangement for a joint economic partnership in the Asia-Pacific region, taking forward their 2015 joint vision to stabilise the region where China is now emerging as a leading power.

The US, notwithstanding doubts raised from certain quarters on its commitment to the Asia-Pacific region under the current administration, is looking forward to strengthening its partnership with India in that region with particular emphasis on economic cooperation.

The PM and President are also likely to explore expanding security partnership in Afghanistan where terror attacks are on the rise. It is understood that the two leaders would discuss India’s security-related role in stabilising Afghanistan without boots on the ground.

However, there are fundamental differences between the two sides on issues including H-1B visas and the Paris climate accord. Trade could be another irritant in ties. US lawmakers have urged Trump to push India to drop restrictions on trade and investment.

This is Modi’s first trip to the US since the Trump administration took over. The two leaders have spoken over the phone three times since November. Modi had eight meetings with previous President Barack Obama between 2014 and 2016. The PM travelled to Washington three times, besides separate visits to New York and California. Barack Obama was the chief guest at the 1st Republic Day celebrations under the Modi government.

During the ongoing visit, Modi is expected to meet also with Vice President Mike Pence, defence secretary James Mattis and secretary of state Rex Tillerson, as well as Wilbur Ross and Steven Mnuchin, the secretaries of commerce and treasury, respectively.