During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump expressed concern over ongoing India-China border tensions, describing them as ‘quite violent’. He reiterated his willingness to mediate, stating, “If I could be of help, I’d love to help, because that should be stopped.”
Trump also emphasized the importance of global stability, mentioning India, China, Russia, and the US in the context of modern weaponry and nuclear capabilities.
India Firmly Rejects Mediation Offer
India promptly turned down Trump’s offer, maintaining its long-standing policy of resolving border issues bilaterally. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “Whatever issues we have with any of our neighbors, we have always adopted a bilateral approach to dealing with these issues.”
This is not the first time India has rejected Trump’s mediation. During his first term, he had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, which India declined in a similar manner.
India-US Trade Talks Back On Track
Beyond the border dispute, trade relations were a key focus of the Modi-Trump discussions. Trump has frequently criticized India’s tariffs, but Misri indicated progress, highlighting a renewed effort to finalize a bilateral trade agreement by the fall of this year.
Trump’s Offer Of F-35s To India
Trump also announced the possibility of providing F-35 stealth fighters to India. However, Foreign Secretary Misri clarified that the proposal remains in its early stages and no formal process has begun.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Security & US-India Relations
Trump reaffirmed US-India strategic ties, emphasizing increased military sales and the strengthening of the Quad alliance with Japan and Australia. He also confirmed that the US Supreme Court had cleared the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, wanted in India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
As US-India relations deepen, the focus remains on trade, security, and strategic cooperation, with India firmly maintaining its stance on handling border disputes independently.
Also Read: PM Modi & Trump Discuss Key Areas Of Cooperation: Defence, Trade, Energy & Technology
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