Trade Tensions and Visa Fee Hike Cloud Potential Modi-Trump Meeting

As India and the United States work to revive trade talks, the possibility of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump remains uncertain. The complexities of the relationship are highlighted by the recent US imposition of tariffs on Indian goods and a significant increase in H1-B visa fees, affecting Indian IT professionals. Officials from both nations have been meeting to explore the potential for a Modi-Trump meeting, potentially at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia. The visa fee hike is seen by some as a strategy to create jobs for American citizens, yet experts have voiced skepticism, highlighting that the US needed skilled workers. Strategic analyst Atul Aneja stresses the importance of tangible outcomes and careful preparation for any high-level meeting, suggesting that a reduction in tariffs could be a key starting point. Others have expressed the need for caution when engaging with Trump. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has voiced his views on the current state of Indo-US relations.