New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra is likely to meet United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York next month. Preparations for the same, are reportedly underway.
According to a report by Firstpost, the central government is working on a securing a speaking slot for the Prime Minister at the Assembly, tentatively scheduled for the morning of September 26.
The meeting with trump, if it goes ahead, would come at a time when trade tensions between the two nations are strained over tariffs. However, negotiators remain intent on pursuing their ambitious ‘Mission 500’ goal to push bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Possible Breakthrough on Trade Deal
Officials from both sides have been working to finalise a trade agreement, but last-minute hurdles are still there. The report says that while negotiators were close to sealing a deal, President Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with some of the terms. Consequently, new proposals will be tabled to bridge the gap, with each side now firm on its respective “red lines”.
Despite the deadlock, expectations are that the Modi-Trump meeting could be used to announce or at least signal progress on the trade front. The talks are expected to address tariffs and market access, issues that have been at the centre of the friction between the two nations.
Geopolitical Calculations in Play
PM Modi’s prospective visit also carries a geopolitical angle. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he has discussed plans for a personal meeting with Modi during the UNGA. This development comes as Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare for a meeting in Alaska later this week.
As per the Firstpost report, diplomatic sources suggest that Modi’s final decision on travelling could depend on how the Trump-Putin meeting unfolds, particularly in the context of India’s balancing act between global powers.
India has not yet officially confirmed the visit, but the groundwork, from UN scheduling to trade discussions, is reportedly in motion.
