In a significant boost to India-US relations, incoming US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning a visit to India, according to sources cited in media reports on Saturday. Trump’s potential visit, expected to take place in April or later in the fall, will coincide with efforts to strengthen ties with key global partners.

PM Modi Likely to Receive White House Invitation

The report also suggests that Trump may invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a White House meeting this spring. This development comes as India gears up to host the QUAD summit, a major diplomatic event involving the leaders of India, the US, Japan, and Australia.

Trump’s planned outreach to India aligns with his administration's focus on strengthening partnerships within the Indo-Pacific region.

China Visit on Trump’s Agenda

Ahead of his proposed India trip, Trump reportedly intends to visit China as he works to rebuild relations with President Xi Jinping. The bilateral ties between the two nations have been strained due to Trump's campaign rhetoric, including threats to impose steeper tariffs on Chinese imports.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump told advisors he seeks to establish a working relationship with Xi and address key global challenges. Trump recently held a phone call with Xi, describing the conversation as “very good” and expressing optimism about solving global issues collaboratively.

Diplomatic Presence at Trump's Inauguration

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the nation at Trump’s inauguration, underscoring the importance of India-US ties. In a notable first, China will also send Vice President Han Zheng to attend the event, marking a senior Chinese official's participation in a US presidential swearing-in ceremony.

Trump had earlier extended an invitation to Xi Jinping to attend the inauguration, but the Chinese President traditionally abstains from foreign leaders' swearing-in ceremonies.

Strengthening India-US-China Dynamics

The anticipated visits and invitations mark a strategic push by the Trump administration to position the US as a central player in both the Indo-Pacific and global geopolitical landscapes. By engaging India through high-level diplomacy and simultaneously rebuilding ties with China, Trump appears to be crafting a balanced but assertive foreign policy.