Trump's 2024 presidential campaign is currently in full swing, with the former president focusing heavily on rallies and media appearances to garner support. Nothing has been holding him back, not even the second attempt on his life that took place this month.
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Trump has been holding events across key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Arizona, emphasizing his ‘America First’ agenda while criticizing the Biden administration. Some recent reports suggested that he is also using his son Barron Trump as a ‘secret weapon’ to target Gen-Z voters. Amidst this, he made claims that he would be meeting a huge world leader but the event didn’t take place. Here’s what happened!
Donald Trump ‘snubbed’ by Indian PM Narendra Modi
During a recent rally, Trump claimed that he was going to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US, reports Time Magazine. Trump expressed admiration for Modi, describing him as ‘a fantastic man.’ He said during a town hall in Flint, Michigan:
He happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he’s fantastic.
However, despite Trump’s public statement, no such meeting took place. Modi concluded his trip and returned to India without meeting Trump.
According to Indian media Hindustan Times, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that there was no ‘specific meeting’ scheduled between the two leaders. This was further clarified when PM Modi’s official US visit schedule was published.
The Indian PM was in the US for a weekend from September 21 to September 23. On his first day, he attended the Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. On the second day, he traveled to Long Island for an Indian community event. On his last day in the US, Modi addressed the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The lack of a meeting sparked speculation, with some interpreting it as a diplomatic 'snub'. This came after Trump met with a growing list of world leaders since becoming the Republican presidential nominee this year. He has met British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Hungary’s far-right leader Viktor Orban, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this year, as per Forbes.
Donald Trump and Narendra Modi: A look into their friendship
The relationship between Trump and Modi has been characterized as a blend of mutual admiration and political pragmatism. Both leaders developed a personal rapport during their respective terms, which was often showcased in public.
In 2019, they held the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Texas, where the two leaders addressed a crowd of over 50,000 people. In 2020, Modi returned the favor by hosting a massive rally during Trump's visit to India, where attendees wore ‘Namaste Trump’ hats.
Despite this past camaraderie, Modi's decision not to meet Trump during his 2024 visit has been seen as a shift in priorities.
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Sources used:
TIME: Donald Trump Says India’s Prime Minister Modi Will Meet With Him Next Week
Hindustan Times: Modi refuses to give MAGA a desi boost, snubs Trump & skips meet, ‘Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar’ moment hopes dashed
Deccan Herald: PM Modi’s US Visit: Key agenda, full schedule
Forbes: Trump Says He Will Meet Another Foreign Leader Next Week—Indian Prime Minister Mod
