Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Donald Trump during a visit to the United States next month to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
According to an Indian Express report, no final decision has been taken though. Modi is likely to speak in the General Debate at the UNGA on September 26, though Modi’s attendance has not yet been confirmed.
The 79th UNGA will open on September 9, with the debate — the annual meeting of heads of state and government — scheduled for September 23–29. While the main purpose of Modi’s possible visit would be to address the UNGA, a key goal would be to hold talks with Trump to resolve trade and tariff disputes that have strained bilateral ties, the Indian Express said.
The development comes days after Trump announced an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
Trade talks between India and the US collapsed after five rounds of negotiations failed to bridge differences over access to India’s farm and dairy sectors and its stance on Russian oil imports.
Meanwhile , on Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said several major trade agreements, including with Switzerland and India, were still pending. He told Fox Business Network’s Kudlow that New Delhi had been “a bit recalcitrant” in talks but expressed hope the Trump administration could conclude negotiations by the end of October. “That’s aspirational, but I think we are in a good position,” he said. “I think we will have agreed on substantial terms with all the substantial countries.”