Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United States next month to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Alongside the multilateral meeting, sources indicate a possible bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, aimed at resolving ongoing trade tensions between the two countries.
Context of India-US Trade Relations and Tariff Row
The proposed talks come at a delicate time. Relations between India and the US have faced hurdles following President Trump’s earlier claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim firmly denied by New Delhi. Meanwhile, the trade dispute has escalated with the US government’s tariff impositions on Indian exports.
New Delhi has confirmed that negotiations to resolve these trade disputes are ongoing. PM Modi’s visit could be pivotal in finding common ground, improving trade cooperation, and potentially rolling back or reducing the tariff burdens.
UNGA 80: A Platform for Global Diplomacy
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to take place in New York from September 9 to 23, 2025. The High-Level General Debate will be held from September 23 to 27. This annual summit convenes leaders from all 193 UN member states to discuss pressing global challenges and collaborate on international solutions.
PM Modi is expected to engage with several world leaders during this session. He has already held recent conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as tensions continue over the conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky has indicated plans for a personal meeting with Modi during the UNGA.
US Diplomatic Efforts on India-Pakistan Conflict
Amid the regional tensions, the US State Department has reiterated its commitment to maintaining stable relations with both India and Pakistan. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that the relationship with both nations “remains unchanged,” despite recent volatile statements by Pakistan’s Army chief Gen Asim Munir.
Bruce highlighted the success of US diplomatic interventions in de-escalating a potentially dangerous conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year, crediting high-level involvement by Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for preventing escalation.
Preparing for the Visit
Preparations for PM Modi’s US visit are reportedly underway and expected to be finalized by the end of August. The visit holds strategic importance as India navigates complex trade and geopolitical challenges while seeking to strengthen its global partnerships.
