Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President Donald Trump today in Washington. He will be the fourth leader meeting the newly re-elected president, after those of Israel, Japan and Jordan. So far, India has avoided getting targeted by Trump, adopting an overly aggressive and disruptive approach, domestically and abroad.

The two issues that would dominate Trump’s agenda are trade and immigration. He has repeatedly raked up high Indian tariffs, often exaggerating the numbers. Also, Indians are the largest illegal immigrants’ group, barring those from Latin America, numbering 700,000.

Both these elements are in play before the Prime Minister’s Washington visit. A US military plane landing at Amritsar with 100 shackled and handcuffed Indian men, women and children caused a massive backlash. Similarly, the 25% tariffs imposed on aluminium and steel imports affect India, which, last year, exported over $1 billion worth of aluminium to America.

The three leaders, who met Trump before PM Narendra Modi, reflect Trump’s priorities. Japan is a US ally, critical to containing China. With Australia, it completes the QUAD group, alongside India and the US. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba successfully rekindled the kind of bonhomie........

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