In a surprising turn of events, the Indian government has denied any scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump during Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States. This clarification comes in response to Trump’s recent campaign rally statement, where he claimed that PM Modi would be meeting him next week. However, Indian authorities have refuted this claim, emphasizing that no such meeting has been arranged.
Modi’s US Visit: What’s on the Agenda?
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States from September 21-23 is packed with high-profile meetings and events. The primary focus will be on the Quad Summit, where he will meet US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This meeting will discuss crucial issues like regional security and the geopolitical landscape, with China expected to be a key topic of discussion.
Besides the Quad Summit, PM Modi has scheduled a diaspora event at Nassau Coliseum in New York on September 22, followed by his address at the Summit of the Future on September 23. These engagements are set to bolster India’s global diplomatic relations and reinforce its position in international affairs.
The Trump Controversy: What Happened?
During a rally in Michigan, Donald Trump announced that PM Modi would be coming to meet him, describing the Indian Prime Minister as a “fantastic man.” This statement raised eyebrows, given the absence of any official confirmation from the Indian side. The Indian Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, clarified on Thursday that while there are numerous meetings lined up for PM Modi, a meeting with Trump is not on the current agenda. Misri stated, “I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting, whether the meeting has been fixed or not”
Why is this Important?
This denial is significant for multiple reasons. First, it highlights the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding Modi’s visit to the US, especially in the context of the upcoming US elections. Any meeting with Trump, who is running for the presidency again, could be construed as India taking a political stance, something the Indian government would want to avoid.
Second, the focus of Modi’s visit is on multilateral and bilateral meetings that align with India’s strategic interests. The agenda is packed with discussions aimed at strengthening the Quad partnership and addressing global challenges. By refuting the claim of a Trump meeting, the Indian government is steering the narrative back to these priorities.
What’s Next?
PM Modi’s visit will proceed as planned, with meetings centered on regional security and economic cooperation. The Indian diaspora in the US is eagerly awaiting his address, which is expected to touch upon India’s growth story and its aspirations on the global stage.
As for Donald Trump, it remains to be seen how this clarification will play out in his campaign narrative. The former president has often highlighted his close ties with India, and any perceived snub could become a point of contention in his election rhetoric.
