President Donald Trump’s meetings with foreign leaders since his inauguration on January 20th have been critical for shaping US foreign policy. Each meeting has been a platform for discussing major global issues, from trade and security to energy and international conflicts.
Let’s take a look at some of the key meetings and their outcomes:
Trump and Netanyahu: 4th February 2025
The first foreign leader to meet Trump after his inauguration was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their meeting was dominated by discussions on the Gaza Strip, with Trump controversially proposing that the US should take control of Gaza, suggesting it could become the ‘Riviera of the Middle East.’ The talks also covered ceasefire agreements, hostage release, and US sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over investigations involving US and Israeli personnel. Trump’s remarks on Gaza sparked international backlash, including from Saudi Arabia, which dismissed his claim regarding Palestinian statehood.
Trump and Ishiba: 7th February 2025
The first Indo-Pacific leader to meet Trump was Japan’s Shinjiro Ishiba. Their discussions focused on key regional security issues such as China’s influence, North Korea’s nuclear threat, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. They also discussed the Quad alliance and increased US LNG exports to Japan. Economically, Japan pledged a $1 trillion investment in the US and agreed to import more US LNG. Although Japan dropped its bid to control US steel through Nippon Steel, the visit marked a successful diplomatic outcome for Ishiba, strengthening defence ties between the two nations.
Trump and King Abdullah II: 11th February 2025
King Abdullah II of Jordan was the first Arab leader to meet Trump after his second term began. During their meeting, Trump reaffirmed his controversial plans regarding Gaza, even threatening to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt if they did not comply. However, King Abdullah II opposed the displacement of Palestinians and offered to take in sick Palestinian children for medical treatment, reflecting Jordan’s stance on the issue. The meeting highlighted the divisions in the Arab world regarding Trump’s Gaza proposal.
PM Modi and Trump: 13th February 2025
The upcoming meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi will be the fourth in a series of talks with foreign leaders since Trump’s second term began. Trade will be a major topic, with Trump pushing for a reduction in tariffs from India, referring to the country as a `Tariff King.’ Migration issues, including skilled and illegal migration, will also be discussed, especially in light of recent deportations. Energy cooperation, particularly US crude oil exports to India, will be on the table, alongside defence purchases and civil nuclear cooperation. Other topics include counter-terrorism efforts, Iran’s role in regional conflicts, the Indo-Pacific, the Quad alliance, and the situation in Ukraine and West Asia.
Trump’s Approach to Diplomacy
The President’s approach focuses on securing tangible outcomes such as trade deals, military agreements, and geopolitical support, making each meeting an opportunity for both sides to further their respective interests.