Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he may travel to India in 2026, expressing optimism about the ongoing talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the strengthening ties between the two nations. India is set to host the next Quad Summit in New Delhi, welcoming leaders from Australia, Japan, and the United States after the 2024 edition took place in Wilmington, Delaware.
Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said discussions with India are progressing positively. “It’s great, going good. Prime Minister Modi stopped—largely stopped—buying oil from Russia,” Trump remarked when asked about the current state of India-U.S. trade relations.
He added warmly, “He’s a friend of mine, and we speak often. He wants me to go there. We’ll figure that out. I’ll go. I had a great trip there with Prime Minister Modi—he’s a great man. And I’ll be going.”
When pressed on whether he planned to visit India next year, Trump responded, “It could be, yeah.” Although the exact dates for the upcoming Quad Summit have not yet been announced, preparations for the high-profile meeting are already underway in New Delhi.
Trump on India-Pakistan Relations and the Role of Tariffs
In his remarks, Trump also revisited his claim about mediating tensions between India and Pakistan during his previous term. He stated that he used trade tariffs as a tool to help de-escalate conflicts.
“Of the eight wars I ended, five or six were because of tariffs,” he said. “Take India and Pakistan—they were shooting at each other, two nuclear nations, and eight planes were shot down. I told them, ‘If you keep fighting, I’ll put tariffs on you,’ and within 24 hours, the war was settled.”
He described tariffs as a “great national defense,” highlighting his belief that economic policies can play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability.
Strengthening India-U.S. Partnership
India and the United States continue to deepen cooperation across various areas, including trade, defense, and clean energy. The upcoming Quad Summit 2026 is expected to reinforce this partnership, focusing on regional security, technology collaboration, and free trade in the Indo-Pacific region.
With Trump hinting at his visit, diplomatic circles in both Washington and New Delhi are keeping a close watch on developments. If confirmed, the trip could mark another significant chapter in India-U.S. relations and strengthen cooperation within the Quad alliance.
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