Former US President and Republican nominee Donald Trump announced on September 17th that he will be meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US. This statement, made during a rally in Michigan, adds another layer of intrigue to Modi’s already busy schedule, which includes attending the Quad Leaders’ Summit and addressing the UN General Assembly.
Trump, known for his fiery rhetoric, labeled India a ‘very big abuser’ in trade, but simultaneously lauded Modi as a ‘fantastic man’ in his speech. This contrasting portrayal has ignited curiosity about the potential meeting’s agenda and its impact on US-India relations.
While Trump has openly confirmed the meeting, the Indian government has remained tight-lipped. On September 19th, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declined to confirm or deny the possibility of a Modi-Trump meeting. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that Modi’s schedule is packed with various engagements, including meetings with business leaders, but refused to disclose specifics regarding a potential meeting with Trump.
The timing of a possible Trump-Modi meeting, just two months before the US presidential elections, has raised eyebrows among experts. Some, like Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Programme at the Wilson Centre, believe it would be ‘awkward’ and even controversial considering the political climate. They point out that the absence of a meeting with Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, could be perceived as a favor towards Trump.
Other experts, however, suggest that a meeting wouldn’t necessarily indicate Modi’s endorsement of the Republican nominee. They argue that the large Indian-American population, which leans more Democratic, should be considered.
With roughly 5 million Indian Americans in the US, they represent the largest Asian ethnic group and the second-largest immigrant group after Mexicans. While the majority vote Democratic, a significant percentage, approximately 20%, identify as Republican.
As Modi embarks on his three-day US visit, the world watches to see if he will meet with Trump and, if so, what implications it may hold for the US presidential elections and the future of US-India relations.
