President Donald Trump is meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has heaped praise on the president and is hoping to avoid tariffs that the new administration has slapped on other countries in its opening weeks.

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

The Prime Minister is set to meet with the US President on Thursday for their first bilateral discussions since Trump commenced his second term last month

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.

Indian activists burned an effigy of Trump last week after the migrants on the US plane were flown back in shackles the whole journey, while the opposition accused Mr Modi of weakness. One thing Mr Modi is likely to avoid, however, is any focus on his record on the rights of Muslims and other minorities.

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

Averting frictions that could lead to a trade war with the United States will be top of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's agenda as he arrives in Washington ahead of a meeting with President Donald Trump.

With tariffs on imports averaging 14%, India is especially vulnerable to the reciprocal levies Trump says he will impose on some countries.

Foreign policy experts believe that Mr Modi and Mr Trump will talk immigration, trade, and arms sales. China is also set to be on the agenda as Mr Trump looks to India to help counter the Asian giant.