Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s longstanding friendly rapport with President Donald Trump could be tested as the Indian leader kicks off a visit to Washington on Wednesday, eager to avoid tariffs that have been slapped on others and threats of further taxes and imports.

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.

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

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

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.

India runs a $35 billion trade surplus with the US, and “Tariff Man” Trump hates this. Delhi has already slashed duties on key US exports and pledged to buy more American oil and weapons. But India is still the most protectionist major economy in the world.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to win 48 of the 70-member legislative assembly, where it was leading, according to the Election Commission of India’s website. BJP is reclaiming Delhi after almost three decades.