New Delhi: A senior US official has confirmed that a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump is being considered soon, describing the relationship between the two leaders as “very positive.” While no date or agenda has yet been announced, both governments are working through diplomatic channels to finalize the engagement.
The development comes at a time when US-India relations are facing turbulence over trade and energy issues.
Washington has imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, raising duties up to 50 percent in some cases, which New Delhi has described as unfair. The tariffs are linked in part to India’s continued imports of Russian oil, an issue on which the United States has urged New Delhi to reduce its dependence.
Despite the strains, there are clear signs of thaw. Trade talks have resumed, with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expected to visit Washington soon for discussions. India’s Chief Economic Adviser has also indicated that Washington may scale back tariffs to the 10–15 percent range.
Analysts believe that a trade deal could serve as a reset button for the relationship, restoring confidence on both sides. While some Indian political leaders, including Shashi Tharoor, have described the tariffs as a “sharp setback,” they maintain that ties are not at a breaking point.
Strategically, both governments are eager to keep the long-term partnership on track, given its importance in regional security, technology, and economic growth. Observers say that a Modi-Trump summit would be a critical signal of intent, reaffirming high-level commitment even as both sides navigate disputes.
Officials in Washington continue to describe the trajectory of relations as positive, emphasizing that despite moments of turbulence, the US-India partnership remains one of the most consequential in the world.