Trump–Modi Likely to Meet at ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur Amid Strained Ties Over Tariffs and Russia

New Delhi: Speculation is rife that US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit later this month. The summit, scheduled for October 26–27 in Kuala Lumpur, could mark the first face-to-face engagement between the two leaders since tensions escalated in India–US trade relations.

This would be their first meeting after the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, a move that has strained bilateral ties. The two leaders last met in February during Modi’s visit to the United States.

While Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the ASEAN summit has been confirmed, President Trump is yet to officially confirm his attendance, though Malaysia has extended a formal invitation.

The trade rift deepened further after Trump criticized India for its energy cooperation with Russia, particularly imports of Russian crude oil. This has added another layer of tension to an already sensitive diplomatic equation.

Interestingly, despite these differences, President Trump recently reshared PM Modi’s post supporting his new peace initiative for Gaza. Modi, in his statement on X (formerly Twitter), wrote:

“We welcome President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security, and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region. We hope that all concerned will come together behind President Trump’s initiative and support this effort to end conflict and secure peace.”