Trump to Meet Prime Minister Modi Next Week Amid Strengthening US-India Ties
Washington/New Delhi: U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced his intention to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week during a campaign event in Flint, Michigan. While discussing U.S.-India trade relations, Trump highlighted the upcoming meeting, although he did not provide specifics regarding the location.
The anticipated meeting is likely to coincide with Modi’s visit to the U.S. from September 21 to 23, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which released a detailed itinerary for the trip.
During Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021, he and Modi developed a strong personal rapport, exemplified by high-profile events such as the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston and the “Namaste Trump” event in India. Their relationship significantly strengthened U.S.-India ties, particularly in defense and strategic cooperation, with a shared focus on countering China’s increasing influence in the region.
Despite some trade disagreements, the partnership has remained robust, facilitating enhanced security collaboration through initiatives like the Quad, which includes Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.
Amid Modi’s visit, U.S. President Joe Biden will host a summit on September 21 with leaders from Australia, India, and Japan in Delaware. Analysts suggest that Washington increasingly views New Delhi as a critical counterbalance to China’s dominance in Asia.
Recent visits by world leaders to the U.S. for meetings with Biden have often resulted in impromptu meetings with Trump as well. As Trump prepares for a tight race against Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November 5 election, his outreach to the Indian-American community underscores their political significance.
While Trump has criticized India on trade issues, he has praised Modi, describing him as “fantastic.” The camaraderie between Modi and Trump was on full display during their interactions in 2019, where they exchanged accolades at a rally in Texas attended by over 50,000 people.
Modi has maintained positive relations with Democratic presidents as well, including Barack Obama and Biden, with the White House notably welcoming him last year to celebrate defense and commerce agreements.
The enduring partnership between the U.S. and India, solidified during both leaders’ tenures, has been based on mutual interests and a shared vision for regional stability and cooperation.
