Trump Set to Meet PM Modi Next Week
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced at a campaign event that he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week, according to media reports.
Trump made the announcement during a speech in Flint, Michigan, where he discussed U.S.-India trade, although he did not provide specifics about the meeting location.
The meeting is expected to take place during Modi’s visit to the U.S. from September 21 to 23, as detailed in an itinerary released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday.
During Trump’s presidency (2017-2021), he and Modi developed a strong personal rapport, highlighted by events such as the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston and the “Namaste Trump” event in India. Their relationship strengthened U.S.-India ties, particularly in defense and strategic cooperation, as both leaders focused on countering China’s growing influence. Despite occasional trade disputes, their partnership fostered deeper security collaboration through initiatives like the “Quad.”
On September 21, U.S. President Joe Biden will host a summit with leaders from Australia, India, and Japan in Delaware. Analysts note that Washington increasingly views New Delhi as a counterbalance to China’s rising influence in Asia.
Other world leaders who have recently visited the U.S. for meetings with Biden have also met with Trump. The Republican nominee is facing Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election, with polls indicating a tight race.
While Trump has criticized India over trade issues without being specific, he referred to Modi as “fantastic.” During Modi’s visit to the U.S. in 2019, both leaders praised each other at the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Texas, which attracted over 50,000 attendees.
Modi has also maintained good relations with Democratic presidents like Barack Obama and Biden, who welcomed him warmly last year, emphasizing defense and commerce deals.
Trump’s outreach to the Indian-American community, recognizing its political significance, played a crucial role in strengthening the U.S.-India strategic partnership based on shared interests during their tenures.
