WASHINGTON (AP) — On Thursday, President Donald Trump is set to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has expressed admiration for him and seeks to steer clear of tariffs imposed by the new administration in its early days.

Modi, a proponent of nationalism, has consistently highlighted his close relationship with Trump during the latter’s first term, celebrating his return to the presidency. The Indian prime minister aims to strengthen ties with Washington and the West, especially given the recent tensions following his refusal to criticize Russia regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This meeting follows the recent electoral success of Modi’s ruling Hindu nationalist party in a high-stakes state election held last weekend in India’s capital territory, including New Delhi. Ahead of his journey to Washington, Modi noted that this visit represents an opportunity to “strengthen our cooperation” in crucial sectors such as technology, trade, defense, and energy.

However, the atmosphere at the White House visit may not be entirely amicable.

Trump, a member of the Republican Party, has already enacted tariffs on China and has indicated that further measures against the European Union are on the horizon, while also threatening similar actions against Canada and Mexico and reintroducing tariffs on steel and aluminum he initially implemented during his first term. He announced on Thursday plans to introduce increased tariffs to match the tax rates imposed by other nations on imports, proclaiming on his social media, “TODAY IS THE BIG ONE: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS!!!”

Trump has often referred to India as a “tariff king.” In response, New Delhi has shown a willingness to enhance its purchase of American oil while reducing its own tariffs on U.S. products, including a drop from 50% to 40% on certain Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Furthermore, in 2023, India lifted retaliatory tariffs on American almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts.

Additionally, recent agreements have enabled U.S.-based General Electric to collaborate with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics in the local production of jet engines for Indian aircraft, as well as the sale of U.S.-manufactured armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones.

Nonetheless, Trump has expressed concern over U.S. trade deficits globally and indicated his intent to reduce them, a sentiment he conveyed during meetings at the White House last week with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

The United States remains India’s largest trading partner, yet the two nations share a trade deficit of $50 billion in favor of India. In 2023, the trade of goods and services between the U.S. and India reached approximately $190.1 billion, with U.S. exports to India valued at nearly $70 billion and imports at $120 billion, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry.

A Trump administration representative previewing the meeting during a Thursday call with reporters, who requested anonymity, noted that India has taken modest, positive strides in trade. The goal is to finalize a bilateral trade agreement deemed equitable for both parties by the end of this year.

Another significant topic on the agenda is likely to be immigration. Modi could highlight India’s acceptance of 104 migrants returned on a U.S. military flight—the first such operation under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border.

For the Trump administration, India is considered essential to the U.S. strategy of countering China in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi’s nation will host a summit for the Quad, a coalition of the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, later this year.