Trump Urges India to Increase U.S. Weapons Purchases

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance India's procurement of American-made weapons, aiming to rebalance the trade relationship between the two nations. This call, described as 'productive' by the White House, highlights the ongoing U.S. strategy to strengthen ties with India as a counterbalance to China's growing influence. Despite a significant trade surplus of $35 billion in 2024, the relationship remains transactional, with potential friction points including India's reliance on Russian oil and defense imports. Concurrently, India is actively working to modernize its military and reduce dependency on foreign arms, with plans for domestic production and significant defense contracts from Western suppliers. The urgency of these efforts has increased following heightened tensions with China, particularly after a deadly clash in 2020. Modi is expected to visit the White House in February, reinforcing the commitment to a trusted partnership amidst these evolving dynamics.