Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. The two leaders engaged in discussions regarding various facets of the India-US relationship.
During their meeting, PM Modi and Gabbard exchanged warm greetings and a handshake. He extended his congratulations to Gabbard on her recent confirmation. This meeting took place shortly after Gabbard was officially sworn in as the US Director of National Intelligence during a ceremony at the White House.
PM Modi shared on X, "Met USA's Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she's always been a strong votary."
The Prime Minister's visit to the US, lasting two days, was at the invitation of President Donald Trump. He was welcomed at the airport by India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with other officials. This marks PM Modi's first visit to the United States since Trump began his second term.
After his arrival, PM Modi proceeded to Blair House, where he greeted members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered to welcome him. The crowd chanted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Modi Modi" in a show of support. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for their warm reception.
He remarked on X, "A warm reception in the winter chill. Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them."
Upon his arrival in the US, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to meet with President Trump and to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
PM Modi recently announced on X, "I have just arrived in Washington DC. I am eager to meet @POTUS Donald Trump and to enhance the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our countries will continue to collaborate closely for the welfare of our citizens and a brighter future for our world."
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), indicated that during this visit, PM Modi will engage with Trump, members of the US cabinet, and industry leaders.
In a post on X, Jaiswal remarked, "A new chapter in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi has arrived for an official working visit to Washington D.C., USA. During this trip, he will meet @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, US Cabinet members, and industry leaders."
Blair House, where PM Modi will be staying, is not merely a luxurious guest house; it represents American hospitality and diplomacy, serving as a venue for relationship-building and historical moments. This expansive 70,000-square-foot facility is an extension of the White House.
Prior to his departure, PM Modi expressed that his visit to the US would serve as a chance to build on the achievements of his first term and to create a framework for further enhancing the partnership between the two nations.
In his statement before leaving, PM Modi noted, "This will be our first meeting since his significant electoral victory and inauguration in January, but I fondly remember our collaboration during his first term in establishing a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US."
This visit presents a chance to build on the achievements of our collaboration during his initial term and to create an agenda that will further enhance and strengthen our partnership, particularly in technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chain resilience. Our joint efforts will aim to benefit the citizens of both nations and contribute to a brighter future for the global community, he stated.
Since November 2024, PM Modi and Trump have had two phone conversations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was present at President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. During this visit, EAM Jaishankar also engaged with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and took part in the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting in January 2025.
PM Modi arrived in the US following a three-day trip to France, where he met with US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday (local time).
It is important to note that India and the US established a "strategic partnership" in 2005, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during Trump's visit to India in February 2020.
