PM Modi likely to visit US for G20 Summit in December? What we know, what to expect
The potential December meeting is pivotal for India-US relations amid trade tensions and India's Russian oil purchases. A US bill proposes tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, with India significantly affected. The G20 Summit could facilitate dialogue on trade & strategic ties between nations.
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United States in December to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Florida, India Today reported on Wednesday.
The summit is scheduled for 14 and 15 December at the Trump National Doral Miami resort, where US President Donald Trump will host leaders of the world's major economies.
The Indian government has not yet formally announced Modi's possible visit.
If Modi travels to Florida, he is expected to meet Trump bilaterally on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, according to the report.
Earlier this year, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor had indicated that Modi would be among the leaders Trump would want to meet at the G20.
The possible meeting comes at a sensitive time for India-US relations, particularly over trade and India's continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
The US has been considering additional measures against countries buying Russian oil.
A recent Reuters report said a US sanctions bill proposes tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to make significant purchases of Russian oil, with India among those affected.
Trade talks remain key issue
Trade is expected to be one of the important issues in India-US discussions. The two countries have been negotiating a broader trade agreement while also cooperating in areas such as defence, technology, energy and critical minerals.
The December meeting could therefore provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the state of bilateral trade and broader strategic ties, according to media reports.
The G20 gathering could also provide an opportunity for a meeting of Quad leaders — India, the US, Japan and Australia.
PM Modi to visit Canada, says Canadian PM Mark Carney
Modi's possible visit to the US could be followed by a trip to Canada around the time of the G20 Summit, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Carney said India and Canada are making "good progress" in trade negotiations and are looking to conclude a deal by the end of the year, news agencies reported.
Notably, the two countries are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with the next round of talks scheduled to begin soon.
