Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to meet US President Donald Trump on 26 June in Washington, on a two-day visit. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders, and was confirmed by both the foreign ministry and the White House.
Ties between the two big democracies grew rapidly under the administration of former president Barack Obama which saw India as a partner to balance China's growing weight in Asia.
But Trump has focused on building ties with China, seeing it as key to tackling regional problems such as North Korea's nuclear programme.
So, the expectations from the meet are low, given the unstable conditions with Washington, domestic turmoil and Trump’s multiple spats with international leaders, including allies.
The Indian ministry said Modi's talks with Trump would lay the ground for a further expansion in ties, allaying some of the anxiety that had crept in about a drift in relations.
Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multidimensional strategic partnership between India and the US.
In Washington, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the two leaders will discuss topics, including economic growth, the fight against terrorism, expanding defence cooperation and growing US-India trade.
You can expect the two of them to set forth a vision that will expand the US-India partnership in an ambitious and worthy way.
The United States has emerged as a top arms supplier to India and the two sides will be looking to move forward with deals such as unarmed drones that India wants for its navy, sources said.
One issue that the two leaders face is resolving conflict arising out of the push they are both making at home to boost industry and create jobs.
Trump's review of a visa programme under which thousands of skilled Indian workers go to the United States is also a top concern for India.
While pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Trump accused India of extracting “billions and billions” as a part of the pact.
PM Modi is also likely to meet US CEOs and individual lawmakers.
Modi and Trump are scheduled to meet at the G20 summit on 7-8 July. The multilateral setting would not give the two an opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions.
Having committed to the visit, the Indian side is having a hard time setting up a game-plan given the new White House administration’s dynamics with foreign visitors.
Most delegations so far have seen short meetings and modest outcomes, barring Xi Jinping. For India, anything short of disaster will be acceptable at this point.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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