US President Trump Likely to Attend Quad Summit in India, Says Ambassador

In a significant diplomatic update, Sergio Cor, the newly appointed US Ambassador to India, has announced that US President Donald Trump is likely to participate in the upcoming Quad Summit to be hosted in New Delhi. This breaking news underscores the importance of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, as a strategic platform for fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Cor’s remarks, made during a press interaction in Washington, also hinted at ongoing negotiations for a potential US-India trade agreement, signaling a positive shift in bilateral relations. The announcement has sparked widespread interest, given recent tensions, and marks a pivotal moment for India’s role in global geopolitics.

Sergio Cor’s Announcement on Trump’s Participation

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Sergio Cor, who is set to assume his role as the next US Ambassador to India, expressed optimism about President Trump’s attendance at the Quad Summit. “President Trump is keen to engage with the leaders of the Quad countries,” Cor stated, emphasizing the importance of the summit in addressing regional security and economic cooperation. He noted that discussions are underway to finalize the details of Trump’s visit, which is expected to strengthen ties among the Quad nations and advance shared objectives in the Indo-Pacific.

The Quad Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi around November 2025, is a key event for the four member countries to collaborate on issues such as maritime security, critical technologies, and humanitarian assistance. Cor’s confirmation of Trump’s likely participation comes as a reassuring signal after reports earlier this year suggested that the US President might skip the summit due to strained relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ambassador’s remarks indicate a potential thaw in bilateral tensions, fostering hope for constructive dialogue at the summit.

The Quad: A Strategic Partnership

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, is an informal strategic alliance aimed at promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Established in 2007 and revitalized in 2017, the Quad has evolved into a robust platform for cooperation among India, the US, Japan, and Australia. The group focuses on non-traditional security issues, including climate change, cybersecurity, critical supply chains, and disaster relief, while avoiding explicit references to countering any single nation, such as China.

India’s role as the host of the 2025 Quad Summit underscores its growing influence in global geopolitics. The summit provides an opportunity for leaders to discuss pressing regional challenges, including maritime domain awareness, infrastructure development, and economic prosperity. President Trump’s potential attendance is significant, as it signals continued US commitment to the Quad, despite earlier uncertainties about his participation due to trade disputes and diplomatic frictions.

Context of US-India Relations

The announcement of Trump’s likely attendance comes against the backdrop of recent challenges in US-India relations. Earlier in 2025, reports indicated a strain between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, primarily due to disagreements over trade policies and Trump’s claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025. India’s continued purchase of Russian oil also led to the imposition of a 50% tariff by the US, sparking concerns about the bilateral partnership. These tensions led to speculation that Trump might skip the Quad Summit, as reported by several media outlets in August 2025.

However, recent developments suggest a willingness to mend ties. On September 6, 2025, both leaders exchanged positive remarks, with Modi emphasizing the “very positive and forward-looking” relationship between India and the US. Trump, in turn, described Modi as a “great Prime Minister” and reaffirmed their personal friendship, indicating a desire to move past earlier disputes. Sergio Cor’s statement further reinforces this shift, highlighting Trump’s interest in engaging with Quad leaders and advancing bilateral cooperation.

Prospects of a US-India Trade Agreement

In addition to confirming Trump’s likely participation, Ambassador Cor revealed that negotiations for a US-India trade agreement are progressing. “A trade agreement between the US and India is not far off,” Cor stated, signaling optimism about resolving ongoing trade disputes. The US and India have been working toward a bilateral trade deal since early 2025, with expectations of finalizing it by November. The agreement aims to address issues such as tariffs, market access, and non-tariff barriers, which have been points of contention in recent months.

The trade talks are particularly significant given the US’s imposition of a 25% tariff on India for its Russian oil purchases, on top of a reciprocal 25% tariff. These measures were perceived by some as punitive, especially since larger buyers like China faced no equivalent penalties. Cor’s comments suggest that both nations are keen to move forward, leveraging the Quad Summit as a platform to strengthen economic ties alongside strategic cooperation.

Significance of the Quad Summit in India

The 2025 Quad Summit in New Delhi is poised to be a landmark event, marking India’s first time hosting the leaders’ summit since the Quad’s revival in 2017. The event was originally scheduled for September 2025 but was relocated to New York due to scheduling conflicts among the leaders. India’s gracious agreement to swap hosting years with the US underscores its commitment to the Quad’s objectives. The summit will bring together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss critical issues facing the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad has evolved significantly over the years, expanding its scope to include initiatives like vaccine distribution, climate resilience, and technology partnerships. The 2025 summit is expected to announce new initiatives, potentially under frameworks like the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, further solidifying the group’s role as a force for good in the region. Trump’s participation will be crucial in reinforcing the US’s commitment to these goals, especially amid concerns about a potential shift in US foreign policy priorities.

Public and Diplomatic Reactions

The news of Trump’s likely attendance has generated significant buzz in diplomatic circles and on social media. Indian policymakers and analysts view it as a positive step toward stabilizing US-India relations, which have faced turbulence in recent months. The Quad Summit is seen as an opportunity to reset ties and focus on shared strategic interests, particularly in countering regional challenges and promoting economic connectivity. Social media discussions have highlighted the summit’s importance, with hashtags related to the Quad and Indo-Pacific trending in India and beyond.

However, some skepticism remains due to earlier reports of Trump’s cancellation, which were attributed to trade tensions and his controversial claims about mediating the India-Pakistan conflict. The ambassador’s assurance has alleviated some concerns, but stakeholders are keenly awaiting official confirmation from the US and Indian governments. The summit’s success will depend on the leaders’ ability to navigate these complexities and present a united front on global issues.

Geopolitical Implications

The Quad Summit holds broader implications for global geopolitics, particularly in the context of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. While the Quad does not explicitly target any nation, its emphasis on a rules-based order and freedom of navigation is seen as a response to China’s growing influence in the region. Trump’s participation will signal the US’s continued commitment to this strategic framework, countering perceptions of a US pivot away from Asia, as speculated in some analyses earlier this year.

For India, hosting the summit is an opportunity to showcase its leadership in the Indo-Pacific and strengthen ties with key allies. The event will also provide a platform to advance bilateral and plurilateral initiatives, such as the proposed trade agreement with the US and new partnerships in technology and defense. As the world watches, the 2025 Quad Summit promises to be a defining moment for India’s foreign policy and the Quad’s role in shaping a stable and prosperous region.