The U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible visit to India in 2026, even as negotiations between the two nations remain deadlocked over key trade issues. Speaking after a virtual interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump described Modi as “a great man and a friend,” adding that discussions on the visit were “going great” and that a decision “could be yes.”
The remark comes at a critical juncture when the India-U.S. trade dialogue has slowed amid disagreements over tariff structures, market access, and India’s energy imports from Russia. Both nations have been pursuing an ambitious goal to raise bilateral trade from the current $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030. However, at least five rounds of talks since March have failed to break the impasse on sensitive areas such as agriculture, dairy, and technology standards.
Analysts view Trump’s comment as a diplomatic overture aimed at reviving momentum in the stalled negotiations. While New Delhi remains cautious about easing restrictions in politically sensitive sectors, Washington is pressing for broader access to Indian markets and lower tariffs on U.S. goods. If finalized, Trump’s visit could mark a major reset in bilateral ties and signal renewed strategic alignment between the world’s two largest democracies amid shifting global trade dynamics.
