Trump to Meet PM Modi Next Week Amid Trade Remarks

New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week during his visit to the United States. The Republican presidential candidate made this statement while campaigning in Michigan, where he referred to PM Modi as a "fantastic man," although he simultaneously criticized India as a "very big abuser" of trade ties.

Trump expressed his concerns about India's heavy tariffs on imports, stating, "So when India, which is a very big abuser. 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." However, he did not provide further details regarding the upcoming meeting.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US from September 21 to 23. During his trip, he will participate in the Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, and address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The 'Summit of the Future' will focus on the theme "Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow." Additionally, PM Modi is expected to engage with CEOs of leading US-based companies to explore collaborations in advanced sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology. The Indian foreign ministry has stated that the Prime Minister will also interact with thought leaders and key stakeholders involved in the India-US bilateral relationship.

The last meeting between PM Modi and Donald Trump took place in February 2020, during Trump's visit to India, which Modi described as a "path-breaking" moment in enhancing relations between the two nations.

As the two leaders prepare to meet, the focus will be on strengthening ties amidst ongoing discussions about trade practices and mutual cooperation in emerging technologies.