Indian media reports suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could meet former U.S. President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit to the United States next month. According to The Indian Express, the possible meeting may take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.
While India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any confirmation, officials familiar with the matter said no final decision has been made yet. Modi is tentatively listed to speak at the UNGA debate on September 26, though such schedules often change. The high-level debate is set for September 23–29, while the UNGA opens on September 9.
The key focus of Modi’s visit would be the UN session, but a potential meeting with Trump is aimed at easing trade and tariff disputes that have strained bilateral ties in recent weeks. The development comes shortly after Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This brought overall U.S. tariffs on Indian exports to nearly 50%—the highest imposed on any American trade partner.
Trade talks between Washington and New Delhi collapsed after five rounds, with India refusing to open its vast agricultural and dairy markets or halt Russian oil imports. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said earlier this week that several major trade deals, including with India and Switzerland, remain unfinished but expressed hope that negotiations could conclude by late October.
