Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday in Washington, D.C., in a high-stakes diplomatic visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties. Key issues on the agenda include trade tariffs, immigration, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Modi’s visit comes amid Trump's push for reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing high import duties on US goods. Hours before the meeting, Trump announced plans for new tariff measures, calling India a “tariff king” in past remarks. However, India has so far avoided direct tariff hits, largely due to trade concessions, including reduced import duties on American exports like Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

On Friday, Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Trump and top US officials at the White House, followed by a joint press conference and an official dinner. The two leaders, who shared strong ties during Trump’s first term, will discuss trade, defense, and security matters, with the US-India trade deficit—standing at $45.6 billion—being a critical point of discussion.

Apart from his talks with Trump, Modi’s packed schedule includes high-profile meetings with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk, who canceled a planned trip to India last year, will likely discuss Starlink’s broadband expansion and Tesla’s potential factory in India.

The meeting also takes place against the backdrop of tensions over immigration. The recent deportation of 104 Indian illegal immigrants from the US has sparked debate in India, adding another layer of complexity to the discussions.

Additionally, the visit coincides with allegations from the US Department of Justice against Indian industrialist Gautam Adani in a bribery case, and concerns over a reported plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Pannun. These sensitive issues could impact diplomatic relations.

As Modi becomes the fourth foreign leader invited by Trump in his new term, the world will be closely watching their meeting. The outcome could shape the future trajectory of US-India relations, with economic and strategic cooperation at the core of their dialogue.