As two-way trade expands, India’s surplus is growing. President Trump is expected to press Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lower tariffs.

India has benefited from the decline of the U.S.-China relationship and is viewed as a possible ally in countering China’s rise politically

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s longstanding bonhomie with President Donald Trump may be tested as the Indian leader kicks off a visit to Washington, eager to avoid tariffs that have been slapped on others and threats of further taxes and imports.

India is acutely aware that trade and immigration issues are a potential double whammy. But it believes it can preserve growing ties.