A US official confirmed that a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump was on the cards, ANI reported on Thursday. However, no further details were provided about the probable meet. “I’m sure you’ll see the two meet. They have a very, very positive relationship,” ANI quoted the official saying.Despite trade and visa tensions with India, Trump has called PM Modi “a good friend” and relationship with New Delhi “very special.”Trump also called PM Modi on his 75th birthday appreciating him for doing a “tremendous job.””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 on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!” Trump had said.Earlier this week, external affairs minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio where the two “agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas.”PM Modi met Trump in February when the two leaders held bilateral talks on trade, energy, and defence cooperation.Recent US-India tensions stem from Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian imports, including a 25% levy tied to Russian oil, and a new H-1B visa fee of $100,000 that could impact Indian IT professionals and startups. Despite these issues, both countries are pursuing trade talks as the deadline looms.
