A senior U.S. official has indicated that a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump “will surely happen,” underlining that despite turbulence in the relationship, the personal equation between the two leaders remains “very positive.” While the exact timing is yet to be finalized, the possibility of such a summit reflects both sides’ intent to reset momentum at a time of heightened frictions.
Over recent months, India-U.S. ties have been tested by disagreements over tariffs, H-1B visa fee hikes, and Washington’s sharp remarks on New Delhi’s continued imports of discounted Russian oil. Trump’s call for greater reciprocity in trade, along with the U.S. Energy Secretary’s blunt message on oil purchases, have raised questions about the durability of the strategic partnership. Yet, the White House has been careful to emphasize that India remains central to its Indo-Pacific calculus and broader global strategy.
For New Delhi, the stakes are equally high. A meeting with Trump could provide an opportunity to ease tensions, secure clarity on trade and technology cooperation, and reaffirm strategic convergence on defense and regional security. The proposed engagement will thus serve as both a test and a signal whether the India-U.S. partnership can weather political headwinds and continue to evolve as a cornerstone of global geopolitics.
