Rama Krishna Sangem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to go to the US and meet President Donald Trump at White House only in the last week of September this year. His visit is in response to recent invitation from Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Delhi. Though some early dates are being considered by both the sides, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Finally, Indian PMO may settle for the September.
There are some structural hurdles for Modi-Trump meet this year, First is the sealing a deal between the US and India on trade and tariffs. Talks on this are still going on and a solution is expected only by July or August. This is what said by US Ambassador Sergio Gor in a meeting in Delhi.
There is no point in Modi meeting Trump before the trade deal is signed, If possible, a formal signing of deal may take place during this visit in White House. That may look too long, but we cannot help, as there is no convergence of views or objections from the US side on some of non-trade barriers like GST and PLI schemes etc.
Hormuz is Trump priority
Moreover, opening of Strait of Hormuz is the top priority of Trump as of now. He is doing his level best to reach at a deal with Iran on this. Most of the American conditions are accepted by Iran, except stopping of Israel attacks on Lebanon. Israel is at war on Lebanon in the name of neutralizing Hezebollah. Trump wants Israel stop this, but the latter is not listening.
This is why Trump had a tough talk with Netanyahu in a phone call on Sunday. There is another hurdle India would like to cross before Modi goes to Washington DC. That is legal clarity on the tariffs imposed by Trump on the world countries. India is not ready to pay any extra tariffs other than those permitted by the US courts.
At least some reasonable time is needed for all these hurdles to be cleared or a clear picture is emerged. So, Modi prefers to wait till September 25 when he usually addresses the UN General Assembly. Last year, he skipped the UN event and sent foreign minister Dr Jaishankar instead. This year, Modi will go and meet Trump, after a gap of two and a half years gap.