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Modi and Trump’s Relationship Faces Challenges During US Visit | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s enduring camaraderie with President Donald Trump is set for scrutiny as the Indian leader embarks on a Washington visit this Wednesday, aiming to sidestep tariffs that have impacted others along with looming threats of additional taxes on imports.

As a pivotal strategic ally of the United States, India has thus far managed to avoid new tariffs, and the two leaders have nurtured a personal relationship. Modi, a nationalist facing criticism over India’s erosion of democratic principles, has welcomed Trump back to the White House, hoping to recalibrate India’s ties with the West amid ongoing tensions regarding Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Nevertheless, Trump has often labeled India as a “tariff king” and has pressured the country on the issue of migrant deportations. In reply, New Delhi has shown a readiness to reduce its own tariffs on U.S. goods, accept the return of Indian citizens, and increase purchases of American oil.

However, with tariff threats on the horizon, the critical question remains regarding the extent to which a strong rapport between the two leaders will influence negotiations and how far India will be willing to compromise to strike a deal.

Modi had fostered a effective working relationship with Trump during the latter’s first term, and the two have the potential to enhance areas of mutual interest while “minimizing points of contention without yielding on central national interests,” as noted by Meera Shankar, India’s former ambassador to the United States.

“Compared to other partners, most have their reciprocal lists prepared from the outset, as it provides leverage during negotiations,” Shankar added, expressing optimism that India will “strike the right balance between assertiveness and adaptability” regarding the tariff issue.

With his ruling Hindu nationalist party freshly victorious in a high-stakes state legislature election last weekend in India’s federal territory, including New Delhi, Modi stated before departing for Washington that the visit presents an “opportunity to build on” the cooperation established during Trump’s first term and to “deepen our partnership” across sectors such as technology, trade, defense, and energy.

During a conversation with Modi in January, Trump emphasized the necessity for India to increase its acquisition of American-made military equipment and to address the trade imbalance. In the previous year, the U.S. imported $50 billion more in goods from India than it exported to the country.

A summary from the White House at that time reflected Trump’s insistence on the importance of India boosting its procurement of American-made security products and progressing towards a fair bilateral trading relationship.

Earlier this month, India accepted the repatriation of 104 migrants who were flown back on a U.S. military aircraft, marking the first such flight to India as part of a crackdown initiated by the Trump administration.

Additionally, Modi’s administration has reduced certain elevated tariffs, including those on some Harley-Davidson motorcycles, cutting them from 50% to 40%. In 2023, India also eliminated retaliatory tariffs on U.S. almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts.

“We can also anticipate that Modi will propose purchasing additional American (natural) gas to help mitigate the U.S. trade deficit,” commented Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific security program at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank. “This should provide some relief.”

CHINA RELATIONS

India is viewed as essential to the U.S. strategy aimed at containing China in the Indo-Pacific and is set to host a summit with a coalition known as the Quad — comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia — later this year.

However, should there be a warming of relations between Washington and Beijing under Trump, India may need to reassess its position.

“Trump’s engagement with China could complicate India’s efforts to foster American interests in utilizing India as a counterweight to China, while avoiding becoming a proxy,” stated Happymon Jacob, founder of the New Delhi-based Council for Strategic and Defense Research.

India has made strides with China and agreed in December to seek resolutions for their protracted border disputes in the Himalayas following a military standoff that began with a deadly clash in 2020.

“Even a tactical adjustment between the U.S. and China carries implications for India,” Shankar remarked.

The U.S. stands as India’s largest trading partner, with a $50 billion trade deficit favoring India. The trade between India and the U.S. in goods and services amounted to approximately $190.1 billion in 2023. According to India’s External Affairs Ministry, U.S. exports to India reached nearly $70 billion, while imports stood at $120 billion.

Though India relies on Russia for nearly 60% of its defense supplies, the conflict in Ukraine has heightened concerns over future procurement, prompting New Delhi to explore options with the U.S., Israel, Britain, and others.

A recent agreement will enable U.S.-based General Electric to collaborate with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics on manufacturing jet engines for Indian aircraft domestically, alongside the sale of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones.

Since 2008, India has procured over $20 billion in U.S.-origin defense equipment.

“This could be a domain where we witness synergies with the U.S.,” Shankar mentioned, adding that Trump will likely encourage India to acquire more defense assets.

Raja Mohan, an analyst at the Institute of South Asian Studies in Singapore, stated that Modi’s visit provides a timely opportunity to enhance Indo-U.S. relations.

“India’s diplomatic acumen will be put to the test, so the existing goodwill between Trump and Modi must translate into tangible results,” Mohan concluded.

Modi and Trump’s Relationship Faces Challenges During US Visit | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette FILE – Indian police officials escort immigrants, wearing masks, deported from the United States, who were among those who arrived in a U.S. military plane the previous day in Amritsar, upon their arrival at the Ahmedabad airport in India, Feb. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki, File)
photo FILE – President Joe Biden greets from left, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at the Quad leaders summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Del., Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
photo FILE – An Indian man parks his Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle in New Delhi, India, March 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)
photo FILE – U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embrace after giving a joint statement in New Delhi, India, Feb. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)
photo FILE – Indians crowd around Harley Davidson motorcycles at their stall during Auto Expo in New Delhi, India, Jan. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Mustafa Quraishi, File)
photo EDITORS AND LIBRARIANS: KILL FROM YOUR SYSTEMS, ARCHIVES AND PUBLISHED PLATFORMS AP PHOTO DEL106 (IMAGE ID 25042378453065), SLUGGED INDIA US MODI AND TRANSMITTED ON FEB. 12, 2025. THE PHOTO HAS BEEN TONED IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT MEET AP’S STANDARDS. NO REPLACEMENT PHOTO WILL BE SENT. – FILE – Jaspal Singh, 36, one of the Indian immigrants deported by the United States talks to his relatives upon his return to his home near Amritsar, India, Feb. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Prabhjot Gill, File)
photo FILE – U.S. President Donald Trump offers floral respects, with first lady Melania Trump standing beside him, at Raj Ghat, the memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi, India, Feb. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
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Harley Davidson News

Harley-Davidson Faces Lawsuit Setback Amid 56% Rise in Tariff Taxes; Yamaha’s V4 Engine Readies for Major Launch

Happy Hump Day from the wBW team!

Today, we have an exciting range of updates from various sectors of the Powersports industry:

  1. CCM is gearing up for a global launch into new markets.
  2. Yamaha is working on a V4 engine: Learn about its anticipated launch and the implications for future models in Yamaha’s lineup.
  3. Harley-Davidson has lost a significant lawsuit and will be subject to a staggering 56% tax on HD motorcycle sales in Europe.
  4. Ducati has capped its production at 200,000 units per year, and now we know the reason behind it.

Let’s kick things off with CCM, especially since that Harley lawsuit is quite the hot topic…

CCM Unveils Plans for International Expansion


A view of a CCM motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson Faces Lawsuit Setback Amid 56% Rise in Tariff Taxes; Yamaha’s V4 Engine Readies for Major Launch
A view of a CCM motorcycle. Media sourced from CCM.

…Featuring a “Three-Year Model Plan”

The last significant update on CCM was back in 2022 when they unveiled a titanium-framed Spitfire for their Golden Anniversary. Currently, it seems Clews’ Competition Motorcycles is keen to emulate Buell’s success, as they’ve recently announced ambitions for international growth, with their Managing Director sharing:

“In three years, we will definitely have new products and be present in multiple international markets. That’s our ultimate aim.”

– Jason Broome, Managing Director, CCM (Motorcycle Sports)

Why the sudden push for expansion, you ask?

It appears that CCM recognizes that its current 600cc engine does not meet Euro5+ standards and considers achieving compliance a “complex and challenging process.”

Currently, CCM utilizes the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) process to sell bikes in the UK. This lengthy process requires a thorough inspection from a DVSA examiner, which has limited CCM’s market reach (hence the company’s desire to innovate for its clientele).

The “new” offerings are expected to include a revamped engine within two years and the upcoming “Project X,” an adventure concept featuring their existing engine planned for a debut around Q2 next year (2025).

For those curious, the road-ready version of Project X is projected to be priced around £13,995 plus OTR. Specs will likely feature retro Dakar rally designs, including spoked wheels, a sizeable fuel tank, and a compact head fairing, complemented by a USD fork and long-travel rear suspension.

CCM expects this new adventure bike line to absorb about 50% of their production capabilities, with estimates of around 300 units per year, although this could increase as discussions of international market entry progress.

An adventure bike fills a critical gap for us over the next two years. During this timeframe, we’ll launch a new product with a new engine and chassis, followed by an 18-month homologation period.”

– Jason Broome, Managing Director, CCM (Motorcycle Sports)

Broome’s pragmatic approach offers realistic timelines and expectations for model success, especially considering the inherent risks associated with international expansion:

“We prefer not to set numeric limits because we don’t want to overpromise and underdeliver. Our production capacity for CCM bikes is about 300 per year, and we anticipate that about 50% of this will be allocated to the new model due to the resource demands.”

– Jason Broome, Managing Director, CCM (Motorcycle Sports)

Would you like to see CCM’s single-cylinder Spitfire available in the U.S.?

Yamaha Sets the Stage for V4 Engine in MotoGP


A view of a racer on a Yamaha race bike.
A view of a racer on a Yamaha race bike.
Quartararo on Yamaha’s 2023 YZF-R1. Media sourced from GPOne.

Inline-Four Replacement Expected by 2025

The journey of a motorcycle typically includes various iterations, tweaks, and upgrades until inevitably it falls from favor or is withdrawn from the market due to economic challenges, regulatory shifts, or emissions demands.

Such is the fate of Yamaha’s R1, once touted as one of the finest supersport motorcycles ever created. While R1 enthusiasts continue to embrace it on the racetrack, markets lament the loss of the signature inline-four roar echoing on the country roads.

For those missing that sound, we bring you exciting developments around Yamaha’s potential inline-four replacement: a V4 engine poised for its debut on the MotoGP circuit.

Discussion surrounding this engine has circulated widely, but let’s rely on insights from Alex Rins (sourced from Visordown) for credible information:

  1. Currently, Yamaha stands as the only manufacturer in MotoGP utilizing an inline-four engine.
  2. The switch to a V4 configuration aims to enhance Yamaha’s competitive edge against rivals like Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM, who successfully employ similar engines.
  3. Yamaha has recruited an array of talent, including engineers and technicians from Ducati, to fortify their MotoGP team.
  4. Leading F1 engine consultant (Luca Morini), formerly associated with Aprilia, is among the new faces advocating for the transition to V4 power.
  5. The unveiling of the new V4 engine was scheduled for Jerez but was delayed.
  6. The V4 is now expected to make its first appearance at the Sepang Shakedown test in February 2025.

There’s a strong belief that this V4 engine will eventually lead to a street-ready bike capable of approximately 800cc’s. Transitioning from MotoGP to production often takes three to six years or more, so only time will reveal Yamaha’s production plans for the evolving V4.

How do you think Yamaha’s V4 will stack up against the previous inline-four?

Tariff Tribulations: Why Harley-Davidson Lost the Massive EU Lawsuit


A front quarter view of Harley-Davidson's 2024 Road Glide Limited.A front quarter view of Harley-Davidson's 2024 Road Glide Limited.
A front quarter view of Harley-Davidson's 2024 Road Glide Limited.
Harley-Davidson’s 2024 Road Glide Limited. Media sourced from Harley-Davidson.

…And Why America’s Iconic Motorcycle Brand is Set for Price Hikes in Europe

Back in 2021, we reported on Harley Davidson’s efforts to shift their production to sidestep additional EU tariffs. At that time, the European Parliament Trade Committee was not pleased, citing specific grievances:

“… relocating production to avoid punitive tariffs is unacceptable [and] such actions are clearly illegal under European law (Customs Code Article 59, and Implementation Act of 2015, Article 33).”

– Bernd Lange, European Union Trade Committee Chairman (RideApart)

Despite Harley-Davidson’s press release claims, we now know that, as of early December, the European Court of Justice is not permitting any company “to evade additional duties unless relocation is economically justified.”

With Harley’s recent attempt to offshore production to Thailand seen as unjustified, the company will now face a staggering +56% tax on each motorcycle they import into Europe.

Ouch.

We aim to provide you with precise information, so here’s a quote from Global Tax News, along with the official Appeal Dismissal from European Union Law fresh from the courts:

“In June 2018, the Trump Administration imposed additional import tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum. In response, the EU implemented countermeasures, including increased duties on motorcycles of US origin. According to a Form 8-K, Harley Davidson announced it would shift production of certain motorcycles destined for the EU from the US to its manufacturing facility in Thailand. This relocation was intended to grant the motorcycles Thai origin, exempting them from additional EU duties. Belgian customs authorities confirmed this with a binding origin information (BOI). However, the European Commission ordered Belgian customs to revoke the BOIs, stating that the relocation doesn’t grant Thai origin due to “anti-avoidance” measures outlined in Article 33 of the Delegated Act of the Union Customs Code (DA UCC).

According to Article 33 DA UCC, any processing or operations carried out in another country shall be deemed not to be economically justified if established based on available facts that the operation aimed to avoid additional import duties. Thus, the production fails to confer origin status, with additional duties on US motorcycles potentially still imposed based on the materials used.

Harley Davidson sought annulment of the decision to revoke the BOI, initially at the General Court and now on appeal at the Court of Justice. Following the General Court’s decision, the Court of Justice has dismissed the claim.”

– December 3, 2024. (Global Tax News)

The official appeal dismissal stated that Harley-Davidson failed to prove sufficient economic justification for their attempted production shift to Thailand, leading the EU Court of Justice to uphold the European Commission’s decision to deny Harley-Davidson’s request for lower tariffs.

Reports indicate that the General Court of the ECJ has also decided not to hear an appeal, making Harley’s unfortunate outcome final.

No reversing this means Harley bikes are on track to become very costly for our friends across the Atlantic.

We’ll keep you updated on what this means for Harley-Davidson motorcycles heading to Europe; in the meantime, stay tuned… and don’t overlook your HOG, Americans!

What is the cost of riding a Harley bike in the EU?

Industry Insight: Why Ducati Capped Sales Below 200,000 Units Annually


A view of a Ducati Panigale V4.
A view of a Ducati Panigale V4.
A view of a Ducati Panigale V4. Media sourced from Ducati.

“The Message to Those Who See You Must Be Clear”

In a market where abundance reigns, Ducati champions the idea that exclusivity is paramount—especially for a prestigious motorcycle manufacturer.

Ducati’s longstanding CEO, Claudio Domenicali, shared his philosophy with MotoSprint:

“I prefer to think of us as a brand that doesn’t just produce motorcycles, but sells to the ‘Ducatisti’. Therefore, we cannot sell 200,000 motorcycles a year.

Other manufacturers have smaller bikes, but our entry-level model, the Monster, is 937cc.”

– Claudio Domenicali, CEO, Ducati (Motorcycle Sports)

This ethos has benefitted Ducati, as they maintain hundreds of millions in sales, enabling them to support numerous specialized events, emphasizing what it means to be a “Ducatisti.”

For the Ducati brand, the power of restraint plays a critical role in market perception:

It’s critical not only what a brand does, but what it refrains from doing to preserve its market position. Arriving atop a Ducati should convey a clear message.”

– Claudio Domenicali, CEO, Ducati (Motorcycle Sports)

Recently, Ducati unveiled their 2025 Panigale V4, boasting the legendary Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, delivering a robust 1,158cc of raw power, approximately 215.5 hp (160 kW) @ 13,000 rpm with torque ratings reaching 93.7 lb-ft (127 Nm) @ 9,500 rpm.

Congratulations to Ducati, and we eagerly anticipate what comes next!

Are you a Ducati rider?

*Media sourced from CCM, GPOne, Harley-Davidson, and Ducati*