Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet US President Donald Trump during his expected visit to America in September, according to sources. During his official visit, he is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York and also hold bilateral discussions with the US president, the sources said.

Sources added that preparations are underway for PM Modi’s possible visit to the US, anticipated to take place in the last week of September.

The potential meeting comes at a time when the US has slapped a 50 per cent tariff on goods imported from India after weeks of talks between both sides failed to produce a trade deal. The additional 25 per cent duty imposed on India — on top of an existing 25 per cent levy — is a penalty for India’s oil trade with Russia.

Trump has strongly criticised India’s stance, while the Indian side has described the Trump 2.0 action as “unfair” and “unfortunate”. India has already clarified its position on Russian oil, stating that imports are based on market factors and aimed at maintaining energy security for its population.

India meets about four-fifths of its oil demand through imports.

All eyes on Trump-Putin meeting on August 15

Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 to discuss a resolution to the European war, more than three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Talks between the American and Russian leaders will be watched closely amid the evolving trade landscape, with global investors already on edge due to a tariff war triggered by the United States’ “reciprocal” tariffs.

UN General Assembly | When is it due?  

The next United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session — set to take place at the UN headquarters in New York City — is due to open on September 9. This will be the 80th session of the UN body.

The event will include high-level general meetings from September 23 to September 30.