And yet the Trump-Modi conviviality and heady talk of strategic partnership may mask a sobering reality: during Modi's visit, the relationship's transactional side will come into sharp relief with each leader,

He said both the US and India would begin negotiations to increase trade in coming weeks, but also said more US tariffs on Indian goods might be coming from his administration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Washington for a high-wire diplomatic visit, balancing Indias economic interests and strategic autonomy against a US driven by President Donald Trumps “America First” agenda.