Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 26–27 to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit. Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump has also been invited to the event, raising the possibility of a high-profile meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines.
If confirmed, this would mark the first Modi-Trump face-to-face interaction since the United States imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, sparking a major trade dispute between New Delhi and Washington.
Key Strains in India-US Relations:
- Tariffs: Trump’s administration slapped heavy duties on Indian goods, citing trade imbalances.
- Pakistan Tilt: Washington’s growing closeness to Islamabad has further complicated ties.
- Russia Factor: The US has been critical of India’s energy imports from Russia, particularly crude oil, arguing that such purchases undermine global pressure campaigns on Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict.
The proposed Malaysia meeting is being closely watched, as it could signal whether both nations are willing to reset relations or if the rift will deepen further on trade and foreign policy fronts.
