New Delhi: Although former US President Donald Trump has said that he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week, the Ministry of External Affairs is yet to confirm any such meeting.
The MEA has announced that Modi will be visiting the United States during September 21 to 23. The published schedule of activities mentions Modi’s participation in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, being hosted by US president Joe Biden on September 21 and his address at the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23.
The MEA has it that while in New York, Modi will address a gathering of the Indian community on September 22. Along with CEOS “of leading US-based companies”, Modi is also “expected to interact with thought leaders and other stakeholders active in the India-US bilateral landscape,” the MEA statement mentions.
It has no mention of a meeting with Trump.
Notably, while making the announcement at a Michigan campaign rally, Trump called India a “very big abuser” on trade.
He added that Modi was “fantastic.” “He happens to be coming to meet me next week,” Trump said.
Trump is the Republican candidate for president in the November elections and is up against Indian-origin Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrat candidate.
Trump and Modi have enjoyed a friendship of sorts. During Modi’s 2019 visit to the US, the two praised appeared at a “Howdy, Modi!” event in Texas. Modi also hosted a rally for Trump when he visited India in 2020.
