Amid Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the US in the last week of September. Officially, the trip is for attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), but the main agenda is expected to be a meeting with President Trump to resolve trade disputes and finalize a tariff agreement. If current hurdles are cleared, the two leaders may also announce a trade deal during the visit.

Meanwhile, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet on August 15 to discuss the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi has recently spoken with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressing India’s view that resolving the war serves the best interests of both nations.

India-US negotiators had been close to finalizing a trade deal, but Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the draft, prompting talks on revised terms. Under the “Mission 500” initiative, both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. During their February meeting in the US, Modi and Trump agreed that the first phase of a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) would be completed this year.

Modi is scheduled to deliver a 15-minute address at the UNGA on the morning of September 26, while Trump’s speech is set for September 23. Zelensky has also confirmed plans to meet Modi in person during the UNGA. Other bilateral meetings with world leaders may also be arranged.

Ties between India and the US have been tense in recent months. Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was firmly denied by India, followed by his imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Nevertheless, both nations remain strategic partners, and sources believe Modi’s visit could help restore relations and pave the way for Trump’s participation in the Quad leaders’ summit in India this October.