Donald Trump To Meet PM Modi During his US Visit, Calls Him 'Fantastic'

Flint: Former President Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday that he will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the latter's visit to the U.S. This announcement was made during a campaign event in Flint, Michigan, where Trump also criticised India's trade practices with the US, referring to India as a "very big abuser."

Trump, however, did not specify the location of the meeting with Modi. This announcement and his critical remarks about India's trade practices are part of Trump’s campaign efforts for the upcoming November presidential election.

"He (Modi) happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he's fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic,” Trump said.

Strong Ties Despite Trade Criticisms

Despite his trade criticism, Trump praised Modi as "fantastic," highlighting their strong relationship during Trump’s presidency. Their last major interaction occurred in February 2020, when Modi hosted Trump in India. During this visit, PM Modi organised a grand "Namaste Trump" rally at the world’s largest cricket stadium, where attendees wore "Namaste Trump" hats.

Modi’s relationship with US leaders extends beyond Trump. He has maintained strong ties with both former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden . During Modi’s visit to the U.S. last year, high-level agreements on defense and commerce were made.

Modi’s Upcoming US Visit and Quad Summit

PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US from September 21-23 to participate in the Quad summit, hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. The summit will bring together global leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, to discuss critical issues such as the conflict in Ukraine.

Along with the Quad Summit, Modi will attend the UN's Summit of the Future in New York on September 22-23. His visit will also include addressing an Indian community event and holding discussions with various global leaders.

Relocation of the Quad Summit and Future Plans

Originally planned to be hosted by India, the Quad summit was relocated to the US due to scheduling conflicts. India has agreed to host the next Quad summit in 2025. According to the external affairs ministry, “Following the US request to host this year’s Quad Summit, India has agreed to host the next summit in 2025.”

The upcoming Quad summit underscores the strategic importance of the US-India relationship, particularly as Washington views New Delhi as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in Asia. Some leaders visiting the US for recent summits with Biden have also met Trump during their trips.

As Trump campaigns against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian heritage, polls suggest a close race. The intersection of US-India relations and upcoming elections adds an intriguing layer to the political landscape as Trump prepares to meet Modi again.