Amid traditional tabla players, colorfully dressed dancers and thunderous applause, the leaders leveraged their talents at commanding crowds to project the strength of U.S.-India relations.

The two countries are on the verge of a deal to ease trade tensions that have worsened the economic slowdown in India . Sales of cars, homes and even biscuits are down, the rupee’s value has plunged and layoffs are piling up.

Related: Mr. Modi’s recent decision to revoke the autonomy of Kashmir is casting a shadow on his big U.S. trip, and possibly on his speech on Friday at the United Nations General Assembly.

A world of conflict at the U.N.G.A

The annual United Nations General Assembly unfolds this week with 600 meetings and five days of speeches. Expect the agenda to be dominated by the weakening global economy and heightened tensions over Iran — but especially by climate change.