NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet President Donald Trump next month during a visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), according to a report by the Indian Express. The possible meeting comes amid tense trade ties and a recent tariff hike on Indian goods.
Sources told The Indian Express that Modi’s visit would primarily be to attend the UNGA in New York. However, a major goal would be to hold direct talks with Trump. The aim would be to address trade and tariff disputes that have strained relations between Washington and New Delhi.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed the trip. An Indian official familiar with the planning said a decision is still pending. The official noted that countries often reserve speaking slots at the UNGA in advance, which explains why India’s head of government appears on the provisional list of speakers for Sept. 26.
“The list will go through revisions,” the official said. “It has not yet been decided if the prime minister will attend.”
The UN General Assembly will begin on Sept. 9. The General Debate, which draws heads of state and government from around the world, will run from Sept. 23 to Sept. 29. If Modi travels to New York, talks with Trump could focus on resolving a sharp trade rift. Last week, Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil.
The move raised the total U.S. tariff on Indian exports to 50%. This is one of the highest tariffs levied on any American trading partner. Trade negotiations between India and the United States have been stalled for months. Five rounds of talks ended without agreement. Disputes center on U.S. demands to open India’s large farm and dairy sectors, as well as calls to halt Russian oil purchases.
On Aug. 12, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said several major trade deals remain unfinished, including those with India and Switzerland. Speaking on Fox Business Network’s “Kudlow,” Bessent described India as “a bit recalcitrant” in its discussions with Washington.
He expressed hope that the Trump administration could wrap up its trade negotiations by the end of October. “That’s aspirational,” Bessent said. “But I think we are in a good position. I think we will have agreed on substantial terms with all the substantial countries.”
A Modi-Trump meeting could mark a critical step toward repairing economic ties. The United States is one of India’s largest trading partners. The two nations have also deepened security cooperation in recent years, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, the tariff hike and oil policy disagreements have added friction to the relationship. Analysts say both leaders may see value in easing tensions before the U.S. presidential election campaign and India’s next budget session.
A face-to-face discussion could also help restart stalled talks and pave the way for new trade terms. Such an outcome would be vital for businesses on both sides, especially exporters facing higher duties. The UNGA often serves as a backdrop for high-level bilateral meetings. Leaders use the gathering to advance diplomatic goals alongside the formal speeches and debates.
For India, the timing could allow Modi to address not just trade but also broader issues, such as global security, climate change, and development funding. For the U.S., the meeting could reinforce its commitment to working with India as a key partner in Asia.
Still, the trip is not confirmed. India’s government will likely weigh domestic priorities and the potential benefits of direct talks before making a final decision. If the meeting does take place, it could signal a willingness by both sides to find common ground despite current disputes. Observers will watch closely for signs of compromise on tariffs, agricultural market access, and energy imports.
The coming weeks will determine whether Modi makes the trip and whether trade negotiations can restart in earnest. For now, the possibility of a Modi-Trump meeting adds another layer of interest to this year’s UNGA session. With economic stakes high and political calendars in play, any breakthrough in New York could reshape the trajectory of U.S.-India relations heading into 2026.
