While trade talks are restarting between India and the US, the potential for a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Donald Trump faces complications. The recent US tariff policies and the increase in H1-B visa fees are significant factors. Meetings between Indian and US officials, including one between External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, are exploring options for a Modi-Trump meeting. The ASEAN summit is another potential venue for such an encounter. The increase in visa fees to $100,000 per application is aimed at encouraging local hiring within the US. However, this move is questioned by experts who point to the existing skills gap that led to the reliance on foreign workers. Strategic discussions emphasize the need for concrete results. Shashi Tharoor remains hopeful about Indo-US ties in the remaining years of a Trump presidency, despite existing challenges.
