From Tensions to Triumph: US-India Nears Historic Trade Pact

But because Modi chose virtual participation for Deepavali celebrations, the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur (October 26–28) won't have an in-person Modi-Trump announcement. Representing India on-site is External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Trade experts advise New Delhi to resist possible last-minute changes from Trump, whose background includes reneging on terms with the oil reduction timeline—complicated by Russia's pricing edge and India's energy security needs—which is the main obstacle that arises. Although halved Russian imports have been claimed, Indian sources claim no immediate cuts, underlining the fragile equilibrium between strategic autonomy and financial incentives.