On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. This meeting comes after Modis visit to Paris, where he met U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. During their discussion, they focused on how the U.S. could help India diversify its energy sources through investments in clean and reliable U.S. nuclear technology. The bilateral conversation took place ahead of Modis departure for Washington, marking an important moment in U.S.-India relations, especially considering Modis strong rapport with President Trump from his previous term.

The strategic importance of this face-to-face meeting stems from the personal relationship between the two leaders, which is seen as a way to foster stronger bilateral ties. Immigration and trade tariffs are expected to be key issues on the agenda. The Trump administration has been aggressive in its approach to both of these matters, which has led to significant challenges for Indian nationals in the U.S., including the recent deportation of 104 Indian immigrants. India has expressed concerns about the mistreatment of its citizens during these deportations, though it has refrained from lodging a formal protest.

Additionally, India hopes that the strategic alignment between the two nations on China will continue. Trump had previously labeled China as a strategic threat and revived the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which India is keen to continue strengthening as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region. In domestic Indian politics, the demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is gaining momentum. The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has launched a campaign to press for the fulfillment of the BJP’s promise to restore the regions statehood, which has been a significant point of contention since the state’s special status was revoked in 2019. Meanwhile, the political situation in Manipur remains uncertain, with no clear successor to the recently resigned Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The crisis has prompted questions about the role of BJP leadership in the region, adding to the political uncertainty.

Disclaimer: This Image is taken from The Economic Time.