Saturday, March 29, 2025
India-US Tariff Dispute: PM Modi to Visit America, Meet Trump to Resolve Trade Standoff
New Delhi, August 13, 2025 – In the middle of the ongoing tariff war triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the United States in the last week of September. According to sources, the official purpose of the trip will be to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), but the central focus will be on breaking the deadlock over trade tariffs and reaching a mutually acceptable agreement with Washington.
Diplomatic insiders say that Modi and Trump could potentially announce a trade deal during this visit, provided the current sticking points are removed. The two countries are pursuing “Mission 500,” an ambitious plan to raise bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Both leaders had earlier agreed, during Modi’s February trip to the U.S., that the first phase of a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) should be finalized within this year.
Trade negotiators from both sides were close to sealing an agreement earlier this year, but Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the existing draft. Talks are now focused on revising terms to meet U.S. demands.
The timing of Modi’s U.S. trip comes just weeks after Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 to discuss the Ukraine conflict. Modi has recently spoken to both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging them to seek a peaceful resolution. Zelensky confirmed on Monday that he and Modi have agreed to meet in person during the UNGA session in September.
India has scheduled Modi’s UNGA address for the morning of September 26, while Trump will deliver his speech on September 23. During his visit, Modi is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with other global leaders.
Relations between India and the U.S. have been strained in recent months. Trump’s claim that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was firmly rejected by New Delhi. Following that, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, deepening the rift. Nevertheless, both nations remain strategic partners, and officials believe Modi’s visit could help normalize ties. It could also pave the way for Trump’s planned visit to India in October for the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
