Modi’s US Visit No Meetings with Trump or Harris, Focus on Bilateral Relations

During his recent visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the QUAD summit and spoke at the “Future of UN” summit. Despite claims from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump regarding a meeting, the Prime Minister had no scheduled discussions with either Trump or Democrat Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The Indian Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that no such meetings were planned, catching many by surprise

India maintains a bipartisan relationship with the United States, a dynamic established since the presidency of Bill Clinton. Experts note that India is comfortable with whichever party is in power, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue and convergence on key bilateral issues. As a former foreign secretary remarked, PM Modi aims to avoid any perception of election interference in the U.S. political landscape.

US Diplomats and Local Politics: A Contrast

While Modi’s trip focused on high-level summits, U.S. diplomats took a different approach by meeting with opposition leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting a stark contrast in diplomatic strategies. The media narrative surrounding Modi’s non-existent meeting with Trump has been amplified, with some outlets suggesting a “snub” of the Trump campaign.

Adding to the complexities of Modi’s visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval withdrew from the delegation due to legal threats from a Khalistani activist based in New York. While some media outlets may sensationalize this issue, Indian officials maintain that Doval’s absence was a strategic choice to keep the focus on the broader objectives of the visit.

A Strong Indian Presence in the US

The Indian government is aware of the substantial Sikh community in the U.S., which largely supports the Democratic Party. Despite this, Indian national security planners remain unfazed by threats from a vocal minority, ensuring that operations continue as usual. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to address concerns over disrespect shown to Indian leadership during Modi’s visit when he attends the UN General Assembly.

Conclusion India’s Resilience in Diplomacy

As India navigates its rising global status, the Modi government remains steadfast against external pressures, asserting that it will respond to provocations at a time and place of its choosing. The commitment to strengthening ties with the U.S., regardless of the political climate, remains a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy strategy.