Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United States in September, with the possibility of a meeting with President Donald Trump. According to the provisional list of speakers released by the United Nations, Modi may address the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The UNGA’s 80th session opens on September 9, and the General Debate is scheduled from September 23 to 29, with Brazil traditionally opening the session and the United States addressing delegates soon after.
During his visit, Modi is expected to meet President Trump. The objective of the talks will be resolving ongoing trade disputes and reaching an agreement on tariffs that have increased tension between the two countries. Observers note this visit may pave the way for a potential trade deal. If the meeting takes place, it will mark the second face-to-face encounter between the two leaders in seven months, following Modi’s visit to the White House in Washington, DC, in February 2025. While their first term saw personal warmth, the second term has been marked by heightened trade issues, including tariffs and disagreements related to agricultural and dairy sectors.
Trade frictions have intensified after the United States imposed a 25% tariff on several Indian products, mainly stemming from unresolved issues in bilateral trade negotiations. The tariff dispute is seen as a significant obstacle. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Moscow next week for crucial talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, coming shortly after visits to Russia by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and meetings with President Vladimir Putin and top Russian officials. The upcoming Moscow trip may finalize details for President Putin’s planned visit to India at the end of the year.
India’s main point of contention remains the bilateral trade agreement, which has faced hurdles due to differences in the agricultural and dairy sectors. Amid these disagreements, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on several Indian exports, further straining relations between the two countries.
