<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-pm-modi-to-meet-trump-and-attend-two-trilateral-meetings-on-friday-230703">G20 Summit: PM Modi to meet Trump, attend two trilateral on Friday</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Osaka, Japan for the 14th G20 Summit, will be meeting US President Donald Trump on Friday.

This is Modi's first meeting with the US president in his second term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-trade-meeting-set-for-saturday-morning-in-osaka-white-house-230701">Trump-Xi to hold trade talks on Saturday morning in Osaka: White House</a>

US President Donald Trump is set to hold much-anticipated trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Osaka at 11:30 am&nbsp;on Saturday, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday quoting a White House spokesman.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-slams-south-for-meddling-in-talks-with-us-230705">North Korea slams South for 'meddling' in talks with US</a>

North Korea on Thursday warned the South to stop "meddling" in talks between Pyongyang and Washington, repudiating its neighbour days before US President Donald Trump arrives in Seoul amid a nuclear deadlock.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-to-discuss-progress-in-tackling-terrorism-climate-change-pm-modi-230700">G20 Summit to discuss progress in tackling terrorism, climate change: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the G20 Summit in Japan and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-student-feared-detained-in-north-korea-230713">Australian student feared detained in North Korea</a>

Australia on Thursday said it was "urgently seeking clarification" on the fate of a citizen feared detained in North Korea.

The department of foreign affairs said it was in contact with the family of a man "who has been reported as being detained in North Korea".

G20 Summit: PM Modi to meet Trump, attend two trilateral on Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Osaka, Japan for the 14th G20 Summit, will be meeting US President Donald Trump on Friday.

G20 Summit: PM Modi to meet Trump, attend two trilateral on Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Osaka, Japan for the 14th G20 Summit, will be meeting US President Donald Trump on Friday. This is Modi's first meeting with the US president in his second term. Trump-Xi to hold trade talks on Saturday morning in Osaka: White House US President Donald Trump is set to hold much-anticipated trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Osaka at 11:30 am on Saturday, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday quoting a White House spokesman. North Korea slams South for 'meddling' in talks with US North Korea on Thursday warned the South to stop "meddling" in talks between Pyongyang and Washington, repudiating its neighbour days before US President Donald Trump arrives in Seoul amid a nuclear deadlock. G20 Summit to discuss progress in tackling terrorism, climate change: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the G20 Summit in Japan and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years. Australian student feared detained in North Korea Australia on Thursday said it was "urgently seeking clarification" on the fate of a citizen feared detained in North Korea. The department of foreign affairs said it was in contact with the family of a man "who has been reported as being detained in North Korea".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indian Ambassador to Japan Sanjay Kumar speaks to WION on India's role in G20 Summit and other important things likely to come up at this G20 Summit. Watch full video to know more.

WION Exclusive: Indian Ambassador to Japan Sanjay Kumar speaks to WION

Indian Prime Minister has arrived for the G20 Summit in Osaka. US sanctions on Iran, Indo-Russia S-400 deal are likely to be on PM Modi's agenda on world stage. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi lands in Osaka for G20 Summit; US sanctions on Iran, Indo-Russia S-400 deal on agenda

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his address to the Indian diaspora at Hyogo Prefecture Guest House in Kobe, Japan, the attendees broke into the chants of "Jai Shri Ram". PM Modi is in Kobe to attend the two-day G20 summit.

PM Modi addresses Indian community in Japan

Indian Prime Minister has arrived for the G20 Summit in Osaka. PM Modi to hold key talks with US, Russia and China. Watch full video to know more.

G20 Summit: PM Modi to hold key talks with US, Russia and China

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 27th, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Osaka in Japapn to attend the crucial G20 summit.Watch full video to know more.

G20 Summit: PM Modi arrives in Osaka, likely to hold bilateral talks with Shinzo Abe on Day 1

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. When asked to the Ambassadors of Germany, Brazil and Argentina about the G20 summit and their expectations out it see what they said.

WION World Order: Ambassadors of Brazil, Argentina and Germany talk about G20 summit

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. Well while asked to the Ambassador of Argentina to India Daniel Chuburu about the G20 summit and the possible outcomes.

WION World Order: Marine plastic waste is the biggest issue at G20 Summit: Argentina Ambassador

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. When asked to the Ambassador of Argentina to India Daniel Chuburu about the G20 summit and the possible outcomes.

WION World Order: Ways needed to transition from fossil fuels to green energy: Argentina Ambassador

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. Well while asked to the Ambassador of Germany to India Walter J. Lindner about the G20 summit and the possible outcomes.

WION World Order: I think the idea of G20 is right: Ambassador Walter J. Lindner

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. Well while asked to the Ambassador of Argentina to India Ambassador Daniel Chuburu about the issue of terrorism see what he says.

WION World Order: Don't know who is winning the war against terrorism: Ambassador Daniel Chuburu

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is Human-centered future society. Well while asked to the Ambassador of Germany to India Walter J. Lindner about the Human-centered future society see what he replies.

WION World Order: We have to find rules for new technology and digitalisation: Walter J. Lindner

WION World Order: More work is done on the sidelines than in G20: Walter J. Lindner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-g20-summit-today-first-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-230584">G20 Summit in Japan</a> and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit to Osaka in Japan for the G20 Summit, PM Modi said he looked forward to discussing major challenges and opportunities faced by the world with other global leaders.

"Women empowerment, issues related to digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and in our common efforts to address major global challenges such as terrorism and climate change form the rich agenda of the Summit," he said.

The prime minister said that the summit will provide an important opportunity to reinforce India's strong support to "reformed multilateralism", which is crucial for preserving rule-based international&nbsp;order in the fast-changing world.

Watch:&nbsp;What awaits India at the G-20 summit in Japan&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-awaits-india-at-the-g-20-summit-in-japan-230696/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The summit will also be a platform for sharing India's strong developmental experience of the last five years, which provided the basis for a resounding mandate by the people to the government to continue on the path to progress and stability," he said.

PM Modi said Osaka Summit will also be an important stepping stone for India hosting the G-20 Summit in 2022, when a 'New India' will be ushered in, in the 75th anniversary year of Independence.

The prime minister, who will have several meetings on the sidelines of the summit, said he looked forward to engaging with leaders of India's major partner countries on important issues of bilateral and global importance.

"I also look forward to host the next Russia, India and China (RIC) Informal Summit on the sidelines and also to participate in the next informal meetings of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and JAI (Japan, America and India) leaders," he said. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the G20 Summit in Japan and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the G20 Summit in Japan and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years. In his departure statement ahead of his visit to Osaka in Japan for the G20 Summit, PM Modi said he looked forward to discussing major challenges and opportunities faced by the world with other global leaders. "Women empowerment, issues related to digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and in our common efforts to address major global challenges such as terrorism and climate change form the rich agenda of the Summit," he said. The prime minister said that the summit will provide an important opportunity to reinforce India's strong support to "reformed multilateralism", which is crucial for preserving rule-based international order in the fast-changing world. Watch: What awaits India at the G-20 summit in Japan "The summit will also be a platform for sharing India's strong developmental experience of the last five years, which provided the basis for a resounding mandate by the people to the government to continue on the path to progress and stability," he said. PM Modi said Osaka Summit will also be an important stepping stone for India hosting the G-20 Summit in 2022, when a 'New India' will be ushered in, in the 75th anniversary year of Independence. The prime minister, who will have several meetings on the sidelines of the summit, said he looked forward to engaging with leaders of India's major partner countries on important issues of bilateral and global importance. "I also look forward to host the next Russia, India and China (RIC) Informal Summit on the sidelines and also to participate in the next informal meetings of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and JAI (Japan, America and India) leaders," he said. (ANI)

G20 Summit to discuss progress in tackling terrorism, climate change: PM Modi

A dialogue with G20 Ambassadors in the WION newsroom. Can leaders overcome bilateral differences at the G20 Summit? Introducing WIONWorldOrder, our new platform for a dialogue on foreign policy & politics - a meeting of the minds, global conversation, aligning perspectives and reinvigorating economies.

Watch WION World Order: Centre Stage Osaka - Spotlight G20

Asian markets rose Thursday as investors brushed off <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-and-trade-a-high-stakes-game-of-chicken-216697">Donald Trump</a>'s latest dig at China and threatened to impose more tariffs on the country's goods if crunch talks with Xi Jinping fail this weekend.

Before setting off for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-and-trump-impersonators-wow-osaka-crowds-ahead-of-g20-summit-230561">G20 summit in Japan</a>, the president said in an interview that he had a "Plan B" in case the face-to-face talks show no progress, adding he would "take in billions and billions of dollars a month and we'll do less and less business with them".

He said Xi wanted to make a deal as "China's economy is going down the tubes".

His remarks on Fox Business Network came soon after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the two sides were "90 per cent" of the way to an agreement when talks broke down last month, with the US blaming Beijing for backsliding.

Still, observers said traders were taking the latest developments with a pinch of salt.

"The market is unreactive to these types of headlines given that Trump has continued to adopt a 'good cop/bad cop' strategy with... Mnuchin," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets.

"Instead, market participants are content to wait for Saturday's meeting to unfold where the proof will be in the pudding.

"A harmonious photo op could go a long way to soothing investors' concerns at the market open on Monday."

Oil steps back after the rally&nbsp;

However, while there is optimism for an eventual agreement, analysts say they are not expecting anything major to come out of the Osaka meeting.

OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza said: "The G20 is looking to be a disappointment to investors looking for a blockbuster trade deal to be announced and is now expected to yield a new round of talks between the US and China to be held later this year."

And Eli Lee, head of the investment strategy at Bank of Singapore, added: "Our baseline scenario is that both sides will commit to re-engaging in trade negotiations while Trump puts the final round of tariffs on hold for a few months."

Hong Kong added 1.4 per cent, Shanghai jumped 0.7 per cent and Tokyo ended up 1.2 per cent.

Sydney was 0.4 per cent higher, Singapore rose 0.7 per cent, Seoul put on 0.6 per cent and Taipei jumped 1.1 per cent. Wellington, Mumbai, Manila and Jakarta also rose.

In early trade London gained 0.3 per cent, Paris rose 0.2 per cent and Frankfurt gained 0.7 per cent.

Regional energy firms enjoyed healthy interest after a rally in oil prices Wednesday fuelled by data showing US inventories had seen their biggest weekly drop since September 2016 owing to a dip in US production and improving exports.&nbsp;

Brent rallied more than two per cent and WTI shot up almost three per cent on the news, though both edged down Thursday.

&nbsp;Key figures around 0810 GMT&nbsp;

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 21,338.17 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.4 per cent at 28,621.42 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.7 percent at 2,996.79 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 7,437.60

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1360 from $1.1366 at 2050 GMT

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2680 from $1.2685

Dollar/yen: UP at 108.04 yen from 107.78

Bitcoin: DOWN at $12,355 from $13,661

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 21 cents at $59.17 per barrel

Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 37 cents at $66.12 per barrel

New York - Dow: FLAT at 26,536.82 (close)

Asian markets rose Thursday as investors brushed off Donald Trump's latest dig at China and threatened to impose more tariffs on the country's goods if crunch talks with Xi Jinping fail this weekend.

Asian markets rose Thursday as investors brushed off Donald Trump's latest dig at China and threatened to impose more tariffs on the country's goods if crunch talks with Xi Jinping fail this weekend. Before setting off for the G20 summit in Japan, the president said in an interview that he had a "Plan B" in case the face-to-face talks show no progress, adding he would "take in billions and billions of dollars a month and we'll do less and less business with them". He said Xi wanted to make a deal as "China's economy is going down the tubes". His remarks on Fox Business Network came soon after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the two sides were "90 per cent" of the way to an agreement when talks broke down last month, with the US blaming Beijing for backsliding. Still, observers said traders were taking the latest developments with a pinch of salt. "The market is unreactive to these types of headlines given that Trump has continued to adopt a 'good cop/bad cop' strategy with... Mnuchin," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets. "Instead, market participants are content to wait for Saturday's meeting to unfold where the proof will be in the pudding. "A harmonious photo op could go a long way to soothing investors' concerns at the market open on Monday." Oil steps back after the rally However, while there is optimism for an eventual agreement, analysts say they are not expecting anything major to come out of the Osaka meeting. OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza said: "The G20 is looking to be a disappointment to investors looking for a blockbuster trade deal to be announced and is now expected to yield a new round of talks between the US and China to be held later this year." And Eli Lee, head of the investment strategy at Bank of Singapore, added: "Our baseline scenario is that both sides will commit to re-engaging in trade negotiations while Trump puts the final round of tariffs on hold for a few months." Hong Kong added 1.4 per cent, Shanghai jumped 0.7 per cent and Tokyo ended up 1.2 per cent. Sydney was 0.4 per cent higher, Singapore rose 0.7 per cent, Seoul put on 0.6 per cent and Taipei jumped 1.1 per cent. Wellington, Mumbai, Manila and Jakarta also rose. In early trade London gained 0.3 per cent, Paris rose 0.2 per cent and Frankfurt gained 0.7 per cent. Regional energy firms enjoyed healthy interest after a rally in oil prices Wednesday fuelled by data showing US inventories had seen their biggest weekly drop since September 2016 owing to a dip in US production and improving exports. Brent rallied more than two per cent and WTI shot up almost three per cent on the news, though both edged down Thursday. Key figures around 0810 GMT Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 21,338.17 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.4 per cent at 28,621.42 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.7 percent at 2,996.79 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 7,437.60 Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1360 from $1.1366 at 2050 GMT Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2680 from $1.2685 Dollar/yen: UP at 108.04 yen from 107.78 Bitcoin: DOWN at $12,355 from $13,661 West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 21 cents at $59.17 per barrel Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 37 cents at $66.12 per barrel New York - Dow: FLAT at 26,536.82 (close)

Asian markets rally as crucial Donald Trump-Xi Jin Ping meeting approaches

US President Donald Trump set the tone Thursday for what promises to be a stormy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-tariffs-are-in-line-with-world-trade-organisation-rules-says-govt-sources-after-trumps-high-tariffs-charge-230762">G20 summit </a>by lashing out at friends and foes alike over trade tariffs and foreign policy.

The long-running US-China trade war looked set to dominate the two-day meeting of world leaders in Osaka from Friday but clashes also loomed over climate and a series of hotspots ranging from North Korea to Iran.

On board Air Force One en route to Japan, Trump fired off a characteristically bullish tweet, chiding long-standing ally India for "unacceptable" tariffs on American goods.

"India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn," tweeted Trump.

The US president had earlier taken aim at China, saying Beijing wanted to do a deal because the world's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-trade-meeting-set-for-saturday-morning-in-osaka-white-house-230701">number-two economy</a> was "going down the tubes".

Furious at what he sees as an unfair advantage in the trading system, Trump has already hit Beijing with $200 billion in levies on Chinese imports and appeared to threaten more.

"You have another $325 billion that I haven't taxed yet -- it's ripe for taxing, for putting tariffs on," he said in an interview with Fox Business Network.

Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Osaka several hours before Trump in driving rain as a potential typhoon edges towards Japan. The two leaders are expected to meet Saturday.

Barely pulling its punches, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua said a "certain country in the G20 resorts to such tactics as raising tariffs and threatening trade wars to make it's trading partners knuckle under to unreasonable demands".

Such "unilateral bullying" could have "potentially devastating consequences for global prosperity," Xinhua said in an editorial.

Most experts say a formal deal is unlikely at the summit due to a lack of time to prepare the complex issues involved and believe a ceasefire and commitment to keep talking is the most likely outcome.

"I would be very, very surprised if they could work out all of these complicated disagreements in the next few days," said David Dollar, a China expert at the Washington-based Brookings Institution.

"What I'm looking for is whether there's some kind of mini-deal and the most important aspect of that would be the US agreeing to hold off on the next round of tariffs," added Dollar.

"I think if Xi Jinping and President Trump have some negotiations... that will have a very positive impact on the world economy," Naoyuki&nbsp;Yoshino, head of the Asian Development Bank Institute, told.

'Never seeks war'&nbsp;

While US-China trade is likely to dominate the meeting, world leaders are also facing a perfect storm of geopolitical hotspots from Iran to North Korea and Venezuela.

Tensions with Tehran are at fever pitch after Trump pulled back from military action at the last minute in response to the downing of an unmanned US drone.

Before leaving for the G20, Trump said he did not seek conflict with the long-time US foe but warned it "wouldn't last very long" if war did break out.

Iran will be one of several topics when Trump meets his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the meeting, along with arms control, the crisis in Venezuela, and Ukraine.

"I'll have a very good conversation with him," Trump told reporters at the White House. "What I say to him is none of your business."

Sony television&nbsp;

Hosts Japan have desperately tried to steer attention away from the Trump show and on to the formal aspects of their G20 agenda, including the challenges posed by ageing populations and climate change.

"Confrontation tends to attract attention... but Japan, as the chair, hopes to find common ground rather than differences in opinions," said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he left Tokyo for Osaka.

But tensions over the final statement on climate change are likely to burst into the open, with a German source saying it was "particularly difficult this year" to reach an agreement.

EU Council President Donald Tusk summed up the pre-meeting mood by predicting "a difficult summit" in talks with Abe, according to a Japanese government source.

And Trump appeared in no mood for compromise, hitting out at traditional allies one-by-one, even his hosts.

He described Vietnam as the "single worst abuser" on trade, lashed Germany as "delinquent" on funding contributions to NATO, and mocked Japan, which has been under a US military umbrella since World War II.

"If Japan is attacked, we will fight World War III. We will go in and protect them with our lives and with our treasure," he said. "But if we're attacked, Japan doesn't have to help us. They can watch it on a Sony television."

US President Donald Trump set the tone Thursday for what promises to be a stormy G20 summit by lashing out at friends and foes alike over trade tariffs and foreign policy.

US President Donald Trump set the tone Thursday for what promises to be a stormy G20 summit by lashing out at friends and foes alike over trade tariffs and foreign policy. The long-running US-China trade war looked set to dominate the two-day meeting of world leaders in Osaka from Friday but clashes also loomed over climate and a series of hotspots ranging from North Korea to Iran. On board Air Force One en route to Japan, Trump fired off a characteristically bullish tweet, chiding long-standing ally India for "unacceptable" tariffs on American goods. "India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn," tweeted Trump. The US president had earlier taken aim at China, saying Beijing wanted to do a deal because the world's number-two economy was "going down the tubes". Furious at what he sees as an unfair advantage in the trading system, Trump has already hit Beijing with $200 billion in levies on Chinese imports and appeared to threaten more. "You have another $325 billion that I haven't taxed yet -- it's ripe for taxing, for putting tariffs on," he said in an interview with Fox Business Network. Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Osaka several hours before Trump in driving rain as a potential typhoon edges towards Japan. The two leaders are expected to meet Saturday. Barely pulling its punches, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua said a "certain country in the G20 resorts to such tactics as raising tariffs and threatening trade wars to make it's trading partners knuckle under to unreasonable demands". Such "unilateral bullying" could have "potentially devastating consequences for global prosperity," Xinhua said in an editorial. Most experts say a formal deal is unlikely at the summit due to a lack of time to prepare the complex issues involved and believe a ceasefire and commitment to keep talking is the most likely outcome. "I would be very, very surprised if they could work out all of these complicated disagreements in the next few days," said David Dollar, a China expert at the Washington-based Brookings Institution. "What I'm looking for is whether there's some kind of mini-deal and the most important aspect of that would be the US agreeing to hold off on the next round of tariffs," added Dollar. "I think if Xi Jinping and President Trump have some negotiations... that will have a very positive impact on the world economy," Naoyuki Yoshino, head of the Asian Development Bank Institute, told. 'Never seeks war' While US-China trade is likely to dominate the meeting, world leaders are also facing a perfect storm of geopolitical hotspots from Iran to North Korea and Venezuela. Tensions with Tehran are at fever pitch after Trump pulled back from military action at the last minute in response to the downing of an unmanned US drone. Before leaving for the G20, Trump said he did not seek conflict with the long-time US foe but warned it "wouldn't last very long" if war did break out. Iran will be one of several topics when Trump meets his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the meeting, along with arms control, the crisis in Venezuela, and Ukraine. "I'll have a very good conversation with him," Trump told reporters at the White House. "What I say to him is none of your business." Sony television Hosts Japan have desperately tried to steer attention away from the Trump show and on to the formal aspects of their G20 agenda, including the challenges posed by ageing populations and climate change. "Confrontation tends to attract attention... but Japan, as the chair, hopes to find common ground rather than differences in opinions," said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he left Tokyo for Osaka. But tensions over the final statement on climate change are likely to burst into the open, with a German source saying it was "particularly difficult this year" to reach an agreement. EU Council President Donald Tusk summed up the pre-meeting mood by predicting "a difficult summit" in talks with Abe, according to a Japanese government source. And Trump appeared in no mood for compromise, hitting out at traditional allies one-by-one, even his hosts. He described Vietnam as the "single worst abuser" on trade, lashed Germany as "delinquent" on funding contributions to NATO, and mocked Japan, which has been under a US military umbrella since World War II. "If Japan is attacked, we will fight World War III. We will go in and protect them with our lives and with our treasure," he said. "But if we're attacked, Japan doesn't have to help us. They can watch it on a Sony television."

Feisty US President Donald Trump sets tone ahead of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka

US President Donald Trump today said India's imposition of retaliatory tariffs was "unacceptable" and must be withdrawn. In a tweet this morning, he said he was looking forward to discussing the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders have a bilateral summit scheduled tomorrow on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan's Osaka.

'Tariffs must be withdrawn': Trump's message to PM Modi before G20 meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and discussed several matters of mutual interest. This is the first meeting between the two leaders since the beginning of Japan’s Reiwa era.

PM Modi, Japan PM discuss global trade and climate change ahead of G20 Summit

WION correpsondent Siddhant Sibal reports on the key takeaways from the bilateral meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

Here are the key takeaways from PM Modi-Shinzo Abe meeting in Osaka

Global trade, geopolitical hotspots around the world and even horse-trading over top EU jobs, G20 leaders have a lot of their plate when they meet from Friday in Osaka.

Here are some of the most pressing issues facing the leaders at the two-day meeting, with the decisive action likely to take place mainly on the sidelines and away from the formal programme.

&nbsp;'Tariffs and trade'

All eyes will be on whether the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hopes-to-re-launch-china-trade-talks-will-not-accept-conditions-on-tariffs-230453">US and China,</a> the world's top two economies, can bury the hatchet in their long-running trade war that is causing headwinds for an already fragile global economy.

The two leaders, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, will hold talks on the sidelines of the Osaka summit, their first face-to-face meeting since December at the last G20 in Argentina.

Experts are sceptical that a definitive deal will be struck in Japan, but many believe they may agree on a tariff truce and set a new deadline for a final agreement.

Trade will also feature heavily as a point of conflict in the wider G20 meeting with battles likely over the wording of the final statement -- if the leaders can agree to one.

A G20 finance ministers meeting earlier this month noted in a communique that trade tensions had "intensified" and that risks were "tilted to the downside", but even this statement took 30 hours of hard-fought wrangling.

Letter from Pyongyang

Relations between the United States and North Korea have been in the freezer since a summit in Hanoi in February failed to achieve progress on Pyongyang's nuclear programme.

But a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-visit-south-korea-as-pompeo-raises-hope-for-new-north-korea-talks-after-letter-230158">recent exchange of letters between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> has raised hopes that a third summit could be on the cards, and the US president is travelling to South Korea immediately after the G20.

In this matter too, Xi plays a key role. He will arrive in Osaka fresh from his first visit to Pyongyang and observers expect the Chinese president to pass on a message from Kim to rekindle diplomatic activity.

Some believe the two issues of trade and North Korea could dovetail, with Trump needing Xi's help to solve the nuclear issue that he has trumpeted as a major foreign policy triumph.

Iranian powder keg

With key regional players such as the United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia in attendance, the mounting tensions with Iran are certain to be a hot topic of conversation on the sidelines of the meeting.

The G20 host, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, sought to play a mediation role with a historic trip to Tehran, but this was overshadowed by two attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman that Washington blames on Iran.

At the last moment, Trump called off a planned military retaliation for the downing of an unmanned US drone, saying that the estimated death toll of 150 was not proportionate.

Trump trumps everything

Despite hosts Japan desperately trying to focus media attention on its priority issues such as ocean plastic and ageing populations, the US leader's meetings on the sidelines are likely to overshadow everything -- especially planned talks with Russia and Turkey.

Trump is expected to meet Vladimir Putin for face-to-face talks for the first time since July 2018 in Helsinki, where he was attacked for being too conciliatory to the Kremlin strongman amid accusations of Russian meddling in the US election.

Turkey's leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, fresh from a humiliating defeat in a re-run election in Istanbul's mayoral election, is hoping to use good relations with Trump to defuse a row between the NATO allies over Ankara's purchase of Russian missiles.

The US has given Turkey until the end of July to renounce its deal with Moscow for the S-400 missiles or face sanctions, an ultimatum that Ankara has slammed as "inappropriate".

'Brussels horse-trading'

After failing to stitch up a deal for the successor to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at a summit on Friday, EU leaders have kicked the can down the road to a special meeting in Brussels on June 30.

This happens to be the day after the G20, so most observers expect the senior EU players from Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands to continue the horse-trading in Japan -- although any final deal will have to wait until European soil.

Global trade, geopolitical hotspots around the world and even horse-trading over top EU jobs, G20 leaders have a lot of their plate when they meet from Friday in Osaka.

Global trade, geopolitical hotspots around the world and even horse-trading over top EU jobs, G20 leaders have a lot of their plate when they meet from Friday in Osaka. Here are some of the most pressing issues facing the leaders at the two-day meeting, with the decisive action likely to take place mainly on the sidelines and away from the formal programme. 'Tariffs and trade' All eyes will be on whether the US and China, the world's top two economies, can bury the hatchet in their long-running trade war that is causing headwinds for an already fragile global economy. The two leaders, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, will hold talks on the sidelines of the Osaka summit, their first face-to-face meeting since December at the last G20 in Argentina. Experts are sceptical that a definitive deal will be struck in Japan, but many believe they may agree on a tariff truce and set a new deadline for a final agreement. Trade will also feature heavily as a point of conflict in the wider G20 meeting with battles likely over the wording of the final statement -- if the leaders can agree to one. A G20 finance ministers meeting earlier this month noted in a communique that trade tensions had "intensified" and that risks were "tilted to the downside", but even this statement took 30 hours of hard-fought wrangling. Letter from Pyongyang Relations between the United States and North Korea have been in the freezer since a summit in Hanoi in February failed to achieve progress on Pyongyang's nuclear programme. But a recent exchange of letters between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has raised hopes that a third summit could be on the cards, and the US president is travelling to South Korea immediately after the G20. In this matter too, Xi plays a key role. He will arrive in Osaka fresh from his first visit to Pyongyang and observers expect the Chinese president to pass on a message from Kim to rekindle diplomatic activity. Some believe the two issues of trade and North Korea could dovetail, with Trump needing Xi's help to solve the nuclear issue that he has trumpeted as a major foreign policy triumph. Iranian powder keg With key regional players such as the United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia in attendance, the mounting tensions with Iran are certain to be a hot topic of conversation on the sidelines of the meeting. The G20 host, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, sought to play a mediation role with a historic trip to Tehran, but this was overshadowed by two attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman that Washington blames on Iran. At the last moment, Trump called off a planned military retaliation for the downing of an unmanned US drone, saying that the estimated death toll of 150 was not proportionate. Trump trumps everything Despite hosts Japan desperately trying to focus media attention on its priority issues such as ocean plastic and ageing populations, the US leader's meetings on the sidelines are likely to overshadow everything -- especially planned talks with Russia and Turkey. Trump is expected to meet Vladimir Putin for face-to-face talks for the first time since July 2018 in Helsinki, where he was attacked for being too conciliatory to the Kremlin strongman amid accusations of Russian meddling in the US election. Turkey's leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, fresh from a humiliating defeat in a re-run election in Istanbul's mayoral election, is hoping to use good relations with Trump to defuse a row between the NATO allies over Ankara's purchase of Russian missiles. The US has given Turkey until the end of July to renounce its deal with Moscow for the S-400 missiles or face sanctions, an ultimatum that Ankara has slammed as "inappropriate". 'Brussels horse-trading' After failing to stitch up a deal for the successor to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at a summit on Friday, EU leaders have kicked the can down the road to a special meeting in Brussels on June 30. This happens to be the day after the G20, so most observers expect the senior EU players from Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands to continue the horse-trading in Japan -- although any final deal will have to wait until European soil.

Trade and horsetrade: Top five hot-button G20 issues

The impersonators of Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump greeted crowds in a shopping area in Osaka on Wednesday, two days before world leaders are set to meet at the G20 summit. Howard X, an Australian comedian impersonating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was in town with US President Donald Trump impersonator, Dennis Alan, taking selfies with curious onlookers and tasting local delicacies.

Kim and Trump impersonators wow Osaka crowds ahead of G20 summit

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-should-find-solutions-to-global-challenges-german-ambassador-230040">14th G20 Summit in Osaka</a>. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term. PM Modi has earlier participated at the summit held in Brisbane (2014), Antalya (2015), Hangzhou (2016), Hamburg (2017) and Buenos Aires (2018).

PM will be taking part in nearly 10 bilaterals and pull-asides during the summit.

He will be meeting Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. This will be PM's first meet with Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump in his second term. He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-refuses-to-endorse-chinas-bri-at-sco-says-connectivity-projects-must-respect-territorial-integrity-227208">the Shanghai Cooperation Organization</a> (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just 2 weeks ago.

During last year's summit in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, PM Modi met these leaders under the JAI- Japan, America, India grouping; RIC-Russia, India and China tri-laterals and during the BRICS Summit. Remember, the informal meeting between Modi and Xi during the informal BRICS Summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major icebreaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis that year.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money this year at the summit.&nbsp;

"We are keen that the economic offenders and those who are the perpetrators of economic crime, holders of black money should be brought to book. Those are running away from India should be brought back and no country should provide them shelter," India's sherpa or the chief negotiator for G20 Suresh Prabhu told WION.

Other than this, climate change, countering terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other areas of focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between the world's biggest economies - US and China - and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

"India is of the strong view that global trade should be free from any restrictions. Multilateralism should prevail, it should happen under WTO. Reforming WTO is necessary but it should happen in a way that all the countries in the world should have the right to decide. WTO should be a forum for growth, equity and inclusiveness," Prabhu explained.

But the annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese presidency is "Human-centred future society” and the focus will be on a range of issues from digital economy and artificial intelligence to inclusive and sustainable world and pressing issues like energy and environment, global health, climate change and marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

The G20 emerged in the backdrop of the Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of finance ministers and central bank governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape into its present form and has summits across the world.&nbsp;

G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the 14th G20 Summit in Osaka. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term.

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the 14th G20 Summit in Osaka. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term. PM Modi has earlier participated at the summit held in Brisbane (2014), Antalya (2015), Hangzhou (2016), Hamburg (2017) and Buenos Aires (2018). PM will be taking part in nearly 10 bilaterals and pull-asides during the summit. He will be meeting Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. This will be PM's first meet with Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump in his second term. He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just 2 weeks ago. During last year's summit in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, PM Modi met these leaders under the JAI- Japan, America, India grouping; RIC-Russia, India and China tri-laterals and during the BRICS Summit. Remember, the informal meeting between Modi and Xi during the informal BRICS Summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major icebreaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis that year. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money this year at the summit. "We are keen that the economic offenders and those who are the perpetrators of economic crime, holders of black money should be brought to book. Those are running away from India should be brought back and no country should provide them shelter," India's sherpa or the chief negotiator for G20 Suresh Prabhu told WION. Other than this, climate change, countering terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other areas of focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between the world's biggest economies - US and China - and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body the World Trade Organisation (WTO). "India is of the strong view that global trade should be free from any restrictions. Multilateralism should prevail, it should happen under WTO. Reforming WTO is necessary but it should happen in a way that all the countries in the world should have the right to decide. WTO should be a forum for growth, equity and inclusiveness," Prabhu explained. But the annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese presidency is "Human-centred future society” and the focus will be on a range of issues from digital economy and artificial intelligence to inclusive and sustainable world and pressing issues like energy and environment, global health, climate change and marine plastic waste. The G20 emerged in the backdrop of the Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of finance ministers and central bank governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape into its present form and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

With focus on economic offenders and countering terror, PM Modi to participate in 14th G20 Summit in Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a two-day, 14th G20 Summit in Osaka in Japan from June 28, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. "For the sixth time, Modi will be participating in the G20 Summit. Apart from participating in the summit, PM will also have bilateral meetings. He will also participate in a few plurilateral meetings," Raveesh Kumar, MEA`s spokesperson said.

India Watch: PM Modi to hold 10 bilaterals at G20

China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Jun said on Monday that China will not allow the Group of 20 nations to discuss the Hong Kong issue at its summit this week.

Millions of people demonstrated on the streets of Hong Kong this month against a bill that would allow people to be extradited to the mainland to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

It triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The extradition bill and police reaction to the protests drew international criticism from rights groups.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump will meet at the G20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka this week amid heightened trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.

"What I can tell you for sure is that G20 will not discuss the Hong Kong issue. We will not allow G20 to discuss the Hong Kong issue," Zhang said, when asked whether Trump and Xi would discuss Hong Kong at the G20.

"Hong Kong is China's special administrative region. Hong Kong matters are purely an internal affair due China. No foreign country has a right to interfere," Zhang said.

"No matter at what venue, using any method, we will not permit any country or person to interfere in China's internal affairs."

China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Jun said on Monday that China will not allow the Group of 20 nations to discuss the Hong Kong issue at its summit this week.

China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Jun said on Monday that China will not allow the Group of 20 nations to discuss the Hong Kong issue at its summit this week. Millions of people demonstrated on the streets of Hong Kong this month against a bill that would allow people to be extradited to the mainland to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. It triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The extradition bill and police reaction to the protests drew international criticism from rights groups. Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump will meet at the G20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka this week amid heightened trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. "What I can tell you for sure is that G20 will not discuss the Hong Kong issue. We will not allow G20 to discuss the Hong Kong issue," Zhang said, when asked whether Trump and Xi would discuss Hong Kong at the G20. "Hong Kong is China's special administrative region. Hong Kong matters are purely an internal affair due China. No foreign country has a right to interfere," Zhang said. "No matter at what venue, using any method, we will not permit any country or person to interfere in China's internal affairs."

China says will not allow Hong Kong issue to be discussed at G20 summit

China will not allow Hong Kong issue to be discussed at G20 summit

Indian government briefs ahead of G20 Summit. Suresh Prabhu said, 'climate change will be the main focus.'

Indian government briefing ahead of G20 Summit

United States President Donald Trump is obsessed with trade tariffs. He misses no opportunity to upbraid China, India, Mexico and even the European Union (EU) on the high tariffs they impose on US products. &nbsp;

He is especially incensed by India’s 50 per cent import duty on Harley Davidson motorcycles, which have an infinitesimal market share in India. Yet for Trump, it is a symbol of how other countries “rip off America”, as he said in a recent television interview. Trump has used tariff threats to bully Mexico into sending 6,000 Mexican troops to stop refugees fleeing Central American countries like El Salvador and Honduras before they reach the US-Mexico border. &nbsp;

Trump has, meanwhile, held out a threat to slap 25 per cent tariffs on Chinese exports to the US valued at $300 billion in addition to the tariffs already in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese exports. Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28-29 to thrash out the issues in the escalating US-China trade war. &nbsp;

Where does India fit in? India-US trade is a fraction of China-US trade. China’s trade surplus with the US that sends Trump into near-delirium was $419.2 billion in 2018. India’s trade surplus with the US in 2018 was a relatively puny $24.2 billion. &nbsp;

“Tariffs are a beautiful thing,” Trump told CNBC’s Squawk Box show on June 10, 2019. But so far, the tariffs Trump has imposed on China aren’t working. Latest data shows China’s trade surplus with the US trade climbed by $2.1 billion to $29.2 billion for the month of April 2019.

At the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to have a short bilateral meeting with Trump. Trade, technology and defence will dominate the conversation. Trump wants India to cut import duties on a swathe of goods, including medical stents whose suppliers have a strong lobby in the US. &nbsp;

Trump will apply additional pressure on Modi to stop India buying Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system. The US has already told NATO ally Turkey, which is also buying the S-400, that Washington will no longer support the advanced F-35 fighter jet programme in Turkey. &nbsp;

Modi though has several aces up his sleeve and must tackle Trump’s tactics with a few of his own. Strategically, the US needs India to counter China’s emergence as the world’s pre-eminent superpower over the next two decades. India is the only country with a large economy and military that can help Washington contain China in the Indo-Pacific. &nbsp;

As important as strategy is psychology. Trump is a megalomaniac. He relishes praise. But he also respects strong leaders. One of the reasons Trump constantly praises Xi Jinping whilst decrying China is the strongman image the Chinese leader projects. The last thing Modi should, therefore, do at the G20 summit in Osaka next week is fawn over Trump in the hope that his administration will soften its stand over trade tariffs and the S-400. Far better to adopt Xi’s playbook with Trump: be friendly, but firm. Xi hasn’t conceded an inch to Trump on trade or technology but has kept the dialogue going. By slapping tariffs last week on US exports covering 28 items, India has made a good beginning. &nbsp;

India’s consumer market is the world’s second largest. India also has the second highest percentage of Internet users (12 per cent) in the world, behind China (21 per cent) but ahead of the US (8 per cent). Washington does have legitimate complaints on India’s restrictive laws on e-commerce firms. These and other trade issues will need to be sorted out by the new team in the commerce and finance ministries.&nbsp;

As commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal is well suited to negotiate knotty trade disputes with the US. The MoS in the commerce ministry, Hardip Singh Puri, is another experienced negotiator, having spent several years as India’s permanent representative at the United Nations in New York. &nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s stint as defence minister will prove useful while negotiating the difficult terrain over India’s commitment to buy the S-400. Advance payment has already been made to Russia and cancelling the contract is neither feasible nor desirable. India needs to maintain its links with Russian defence contractors to avoid over-dependence on American military hardware. &nbsp;

India’s trump card is the fact that both the US and China need it in their corner. Washington knows that a China-Russia axis can pose a threat to the Western alliance. With the European Union sclerotic and Britain enervated by Brexit, the US has few allies apart from India with both large economies and militaries. &nbsp;

China, for its part, needs to keep India onside as an antidote to the US bullying. The Wuhan spirit and Xi’s likely return trip to Modi’s constituency Varanasi in October this year is aimed at keeping India in good humour and as far out of Washington’s orbit of influence as possible. &nbsp;

Modi will this have to play his cards deftly in Osaka. It is likely to be another decade before India’s economic and military heft reaches a level that makes it part of an emerging Isosceles triangle with the US and China. Till then, stay flexible, but on core issues, resolute as Trump lumbers through the G20 summit in Japan next week.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-dealing-with-donald-trump-2762858">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump is obsessed with trade tariffs. He misses no opportunity to upbraid China, India, Mexico and even the European Union (EU) on the high tariffs they impose on US products.

United States President Donald Trump is obsessed with trade tariffs. He misses no opportunity to upbraid China, India, Mexico and even the European Union (EU) on the high tariffs they impose on US products. He is especially incensed by India’s 50 per cent import duty on Harley Davidson motorcycles, which have an infinitesimal market share in India. Yet for Trump, it is a symbol of how other countries “rip off America”, as he said in a recent television interview. Trump has used tariff threats to bully Mexico into sending 6,000 Mexican troops to stop refugees fleeing Central American countries like El Salvador and Honduras before they reach the US-Mexico border. Trump has, meanwhile, held out a threat to slap 25 per cent tariffs on Chinese exports to the US valued at $300 billion in addition to the tariffs already in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese exports. Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28-29 to thrash out the issues in the escalating US-China trade war. Where does India fit in? India-US trade is a fraction of China-US trade. China’s trade surplus with the US that sends Trump into near-delirium was $419.2 billion in 2018. India’s trade surplus with the US in 2018 was a relatively puny $24.2 billion. “Tariffs are a beautiful thing,” Trump told CNBC’s Squawk Box show on June 10, 2019. But so far, the tariffs Trump has imposed on China aren’t working. Latest data shows China’s trade surplus with the US trade climbed by $2.1 billion to $29.2 billion for the month of April 2019. At the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to have a short bilateral meeting with Trump. Trade, technology and defence will dominate the conversation. Trump wants India to cut import duties on a swathe of goods, including medical stents whose suppliers have a strong lobby in the US. Trump will apply additional pressure on Modi to stop India buying Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system. The US has already told NATO ally Turkey, which is also buying the S-400, that Washington will no longer support the advanced F-35 fighter jet programme in Turkey. Modi though has several aces up his sleeve and must tackle Trump’s tactics with a few of his own. Strategically, the US needs India to counter China’s emergence as the world’s pre-eminent superpower over the next two decades. India is the only country with a large economy and military that can help Washington contain China in the Indo-Pacific. As important as strategy is psychology. Trump is a megalomaniac. He relishes praise. But he also respects strong leaders. One of the reasons Trump constantly praises Xi Jinping whilst decrying China is the strongman image the Chinese leader projects. The last thing Modi should, therefore, do at the G20 summit in Osaka next week is fawn over Trump in the hope that his administration will soften its stand over trade tariffs and the S-400. Far better to adopt Xi’s playbook with Trump: be friendly, but firm. Xi hasn’t conceded an inch to Trump on trade or technology but has kept the dialogue going. By slapping tariffs last week on US exports covering 28 items, India has made a good beginning. India’s consumer market is the world’s second largest. India also has the second highest percentage of Internet users (12 per cent) in the world, behind China (21 per cent) but ahead of the US (8 per cent). Washington does have legitimate complaints on India’s restrictive laws on e-commerce firms. These and other trade issues will need to be sorted out by the new team in the commerce and finance ministries. As commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal is well suited to negotiate knotty trade disputes with the US. The MoS in the commerce ministry, Hardip Singh Puri, is another experienced negotiator, having spent several years as India’s permanent representative at the United Nations in New York. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s stint as defence minister will prove useful while negotiating the difficult terrain over India’s commitment to buy the S-400. Advance payment has already been made to Russia and cancelling the contract is neither feasible nor desirable. India needs to maintain its links with Russian defence contractors to avoid over-dependence on American military hardware. India’s trump card is the fact that both the US and China need it in their corner. Washington knows that a China-Russia axis can pose a threat to the Western alliance. With the European Union sclerotic and Britain enervated by Brexit, the US has few allies apart from India with both large economies and militaries. China, for its part, needs to keep India onside as an antidote to the US bullying. The Wuhan spirit and Xi’s likely return trip to Modi’s constituency Varanasi in October this year is aimed at keeping India in good humour and as far out of Washington’s orbit of influence as possible. Modi will this have to play his cards deftly in Osaka. It is likely to be another decade before India’s economic and military heft reaches a level that makes it part of an emerging Isosceles triangle with the US and China. Till then, stay flexible, but on core issues, resolute as Trump lumbers through the G20 summit in Japan next week. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

PM Narendra Modi must play his cards deftly when he meets Donald Trump at G20 Summit

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday held a preparatory meeting for the upcoming G20 summit slated to be held in Osaka and Japan on June 28 and 29.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das attended the meeting.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Das said,&nbsp;"It was a Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting.

We reviewed the current state of the economy, the overall macro-economic situation and global development.

"The RBI Governor further said that various budget-related suggestions and proposals were also discussed.

"Regulators and concerned secretaries of the government were present during the meeting," said Das.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday held a preparatory meeting for the upcoming G20 summit slated to be held in Osaka and Japan on June 28 and 29. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das attended the meeting.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday held a preparatory meeting for the upcoming G20 summit slated to be held in Osaka and Japan on June 28 and 29. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das attended the meeting. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Das said, "It was a Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting. We reviewed the current state of the economy, the overall macro-economic situation and global development. "The RBI Governor further said that various budget-related suggestions and proposals were also discussed. "Regulators and concerned secretaries of the government were present during the meeting," said Das.

Nirmala Sitharaman holds preparatory meeting for upcoming G20 summit

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have decided to meet, in the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka. Watch this video to know more.

Trump-Xi to meet at Osaka

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