Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to possibly meet on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for October 26–27, 2025. Malaysia has invited both leaders to attend, and if Trump confirms, it would be their first multilateral interaction since Washington imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods.
India-US relations have faced strains following Trump’s tariffs, alongside his administration’s increasing engagement with Pakistan. Tensions intensified over India’s continued energy purchases from Russia, with Trump repeatedly warning that such imports undermine international efforts to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Senior aides, including Peter Navarro, escalated the rhetoric, labeling India as a “laundromat” for Russian oil and describing the Russia-Ukraine conflict in controversial terms tied to Indian refineries.
Despite these tensions, recent developments suggest a gradual warming of ties. Both governments have indicated that trade negotiations are ongoing. Trump has publicly sought to soften the narrative, expressing personal admiration for PM Modi and describing their relationship as “very special.” In response, Modi highlighted that India-US relations remain “positive and forward-looking,” reflecting a shared interest in maintaining strategic engagement.
On the international stage, this rapprochement has been evident. Trump recently shared a message from PM Modi endorsing his 20-point plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, which includes a ceasefire, hostage-prisoner exchange, phased Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government under international oversight. Modi termed the plan a “viable pathway” for sustainable peace, security, and development in Palestine, Israel, and the broader West Asian region.
If the ASEAN Summit meeting occurs, it would signal a renewed opportunity for dialogue on trade, energy, and regional security, demonstrating that despite past tensions, both nations are committed to maintaining high-level engagement and collaboration on global and regional issues.
