Modi Set to Hold Talks with Trump in the Coming Month, According to News Sources
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet with former US President Donald Trump during Modi's visit to the United States for the 80th UN General Assembly session in late September 2025. The anticipated bilateral meeting aims to address ongoing trade tensions between India and the US, particularly the punitive 50% tariff imposed on Indian goods by the Trump administration.
The primary purpose of this anticipated meeting is to discuss and potentially resolve the trade dispute and stalled trade talks between the two countries. The India-US trade relationship has recently been strained due to the US imposing a combined 50% tariff, including a 25% penalty related to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
Modi is expected to attend the UNGA high-level debate from September 23 to 29, with his speech scheduled for September 26. The collapse of trade talks and the increased tariffs could potentially impact the upcoming discussions between Modi and Trump.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated several large trade agreements are still pending, including with India. Bessent expressed optimism, stating that the US is in a good position to agree on substantial terms with major trading partners. However, he did mention that New Delhi has been "a bit recalcitrant" in talks with Washington, with the disagreement stemming from India's refusal to open its farm and dairy sectors and stop purchasing Russian oil.
Despite media reports confirming the likelihood of this meeting, neither New Delhi nor Washington has officially confirmed the bilateral talks yet. The Indian foreign ministry has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the visit. The penalty on Indian goods exported to the US has increased to 50%, one of the highest levies imposed on any US trading partner.
Trade talks between India and the US have collapsed after five rounds of negotiations, and no specific date for the resumption of trade talks has been announced. Bessent hopes the Trump administration can finalize its trade negotiations by the end of October.
In summary, while public announcements are still pending, authoritative news sources consistently expect a high-level trade discussion between Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York to address the tariff dispute and stalled trade talks. The primary purpose of Modi's potential visit to the US is to attend the UN meeting in New York.
- Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, stated that the US is optimistic about reaching substantial trade agreements with major partners, including India, despite the ongoing recalcitrance from New Delhi in talks with Washington.
- The ongoing trade dispute between India and the US, including the punitive 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration, remains unresolved and is likely to be discussed during Modi's anticipated meeting with former President Trump.
- The increase in the levy on Indian goods exported to the US to 50% has been one of the highest levies imposed on any US trading partner, potentially impacting the ongoing discussions between Modi and Trump.
- The trade talks between India and the US have collapsed after five rounds of negotiations, and a specific date for the resumption of negotiations has not been announced, adding to the tension ahead of Modi's expected meeting with Trump.
