(Image source from: Firstpost.com)
President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon have a phone conversation, easing the relations since their last talk on June 17, which lasted 35 minutes and was quite tense. Both leaders mentioned on Wednesday that they are eager to chat with each other, potentially leading to an in-person meeting. Trump stated on Wednesday, “I am looking forward to talking with my great friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the coming weeks.” Modi quickly replied on social media, expressing, “I am also eager to speak with President Trump. We will collaborate to ensure a brighter and more successful future for our citizens.” Trump later shared PM Modi’s tweet on Truth Social. The leaders also noted that trade discussions between their countries are continuing and should be wrapped up soon without issues. Senior government officials had previously suggested that a call between PM Modi and Trump might take place soon to discuss the QUAD summit and the upcoming UNGA Summit in New York. This call could give both leaders the opportunity to address other important matters, such as the advancement of the India-US trade agreement which aims to ease the strain of tariffs and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as reported on September 8th.
If this phone call leads to better relations, it could pave the way for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders. Currently, PM Modi is not traveling to the US this month for the UNGA meeting scheduled for the last week of September. The meeting could potentially take place in Malaysia in October, where Trump is set to participate in a leaders’ meeting of the ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, according to the Malaysian Prime Minister. PM Modi is also expected to attend the ASEAN summit, as he has in previous years. There is no possibility for a meeting at the G20 summit in Johannesburg in November, as Trump will not attend the G20. During the June 17 phone call, Trump accepted Modi’s invitation to visit India for the QUAD. However, a recent report from the New York Times states that Trump may no longer have such plans. India is still uncertain about this situation. The Foreign Ministry announced last week that it would refrain from commenting on speculative media stories about this matter. If Trump indeed visits India as he promised in November for the QUAD and a trade agreement is finalized during this visit, their relationship may experience a significant reset.
However, India understands that the US has not removed the 50 percent tariffs imposed on it and seeks a trade agreement with India under its own conditions, such as access to India's agriculture and dairy sectors. PM Modi has emphasized that India will not permit this under any circumstances. Trump still asserts his "ceasefire" statement related to the India-Pakistan dispute. The President of the United States also has a strong bond with Pakistan and with Asim Munir, who is a source of frustration for India. These factors will pose obstacles in rekindling the US-India partnership.
