Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet US President Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) next month, according to The Indian Express. While India’s foreign ministry has not officially confirmed Modi’s participation, sources suggest the meeting could help ease recent trade tensions.
The talks come at a critical time—Trump recently imposed additional 25% tariffs on Indian goods, raising total US duties to 50%, one of the highest rates for any trading partner. The move penalizes India for continuing to buy Russian oil and resisting US demands to open its agriculture and dairy markets.
Trade negotiations between the two nations have stalled after five rounds, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling India “recalcitrant” in talks. However, Bessent expressed hope for a breakthrough by October, stating, “We will have agreed on substantial terms with all the substantial countries.”
The UNGA General Debate, where Modi is provisionally listed to speak on September 26, runs from September 23-29. If the meeting happens, it could be a turning point in US-India relations—or deepen the rift.