Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Washington for a high-wire diplomatic visit, balancing India’s economic interests and strategic autonomy against a US driven by President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda. Key discussions will cover trade, immigration, and defence, alongside personal diplomacy with Trump and top American leaders. The visit takes place amid a shifting global order, with Modi walking a fine line between strengthening ties with the US and maintaining India’s independent stance in alliances like the Quad and BRICS.