A US official hinted that a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump was on the cards, as reported by news agency ANI on Thursday. But no other details about the expected meeting were provided.
He stated that the India-US relationship remains strong, despite turbulence.
ANI quoted him saying, "I am sure you will see the two meet. They have a very, very positive relationship. We have the Quad Summit and we are working on planning. At some point, that will happen, if not this year, then next year. We are working on the dates for that. So, a lot is coming up on the US-India relationship, and I think we will see some continuous positive momentum."
He also confirmed that talks are ongoing over India's purchase of Russian oil, a resolution of which is expected to come in a few weeks.
Amid the ongoing trade and visa tensions between India and the US, Trump wished PM Modi on his birthday and called him a "good friend." He also said that the relationship with India was "very special", appreciating PM Modi that he was doing a "tremendous job."
Trump had said, "Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra, thank you for your support in ending the War between Russia and Ukraine."
This week, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where the two "agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas."
The last meeting between PM Modi and Trump took place in February, when the two leaders held bilateral talks focusing on trade, energy, and defence cooperation.
Currently, tensions between India and the US revolve around 50% tariffs imposed on Indian imports, which include a 25% additional penalty for buying Russian oil, which was followed by a new H-1B visa fee hike that could largely impact Indian IT professionals and startups in the US.
But despite these, the countries are showing a positive trajectory, as they are pursuing trade talks. Discussions are also going on for the next Quad Leaders Summit, which will take place by the end of this year or by the start of the coming year.
