While some analysts note ‘trepidation’, others say US seeks deeper trade and defence ties with India as leverage in talks with China.

Regarding the India-China border conflict, Trump acknowledged their intensity and offered to mediate if needed. He stated, "I look at India, I do see the skirmishes on the border, which are quite vicious, and I guess they continue to go on. If I could be of help, I'd love to help, because that should be stopped."

Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House this week feels suspiciously like a victory lap for an Indian leader whose economy hasn’t had a great deal to celebrate of late.