NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Washington, DC, on Wednesday (local time) for a two-day visit at the invitation of White House to meet US President Donald Trump and other dignitaries. This marks his first visit to the US since President Trump assumed office for a second term. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, defence, and technology cooperation.
PM Modi said in a post on X said, “Landed in Washington DC a short while ago. Looking forward to meeting @POTUS Donald Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our nations will keep working closely for the benefit of our people and for a better future for our planet.”
Upon landing at Joint Base Andrews, he was welcomed by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with other senior officials. During his stay, PM Modi will be hosted at Blair House, the historic guest residence for dignitaries visiting the White House.
PM Modi receives warm welcome from Indian diaspora
Despite harsh winter conditions, members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside Blair House to welcome PM Modi. People chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Modi Modi” as they cheered for the Prime Minister.
PM Modi expressed his gratitude in a post 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.”
A member of the Indian diaspora said, “…We have people on crutches, and they have braved this great winter and snow…we are excited to welcome PM Modi to America.”
Baburaj, a resident of Virginia originally from Telangana, said, “Today, the Indian diaspora is so excited… All Indians are excited to see him.” Srinivas, another attendee, remarked, “We are here, Indian-American diaspora, all the people are here to welcome Prime Minister Modi. We are so excited that the US gave the highest priority to our Prime Minister. He is coming here for all 1.4 billion population.”
PM Modi meets US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
One of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first engagements in the US was a meeting with Tulsi Gabbard, who was recently confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence under President Trump’s administration.
Gabbard’s nomination was approved by the Senate in a 52-48 vote, with most Republicans backing her despite initial reservations over her past remarks on Russia, her meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and her previous support for whistleblower Edward Snowden. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against her confirmation.
During their meeting, PM Modi recalled his earlier interactions with Gabbard and congratulated her on her new role. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their commitment to a secure, stable, and rules-based international order.
PM Modi shared details of their conversation on X, posting, “Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard 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.”
Gabbard, a military veteran and former Democratic representative from Hawaii, now leads the US intelligence community, overseeing 18 intelligence agencies.
PM Modi’s upcoming meeting with President Trump
PM Modi is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump during his visit. Their discussions will focus on key areas such as trade, tariffs, defence partnerships, and economic collaboration.
Before his departure for the US, PM Modi emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations. He stated: “Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.”
“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will pay an official working visit to the United States on 12th and 13th of February,”
ministry of external affairs said ahead of his visit.
“Insofar as the program elements are concerned, the Prime Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump in both the restricted and delegation level formats. Senior US administration figures are expected to call on Prime Minister during the visit,” MEA added.
PM Modi may meet Elon Musk
According to sources cited by Reuters, PM Modi is expected to meet Tesla CEO Elon Musk during his visit. Their discussions could include the potential entry of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service into the Indian market.
PM Modi’s meeting with Musk could also explore opportunities in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and investments in India’s technology and energy sectors.
Blair House: PM Modi’s stay in US
PM Modi is staying at Blair House, the official guest residence for foreign dignitaries visiting Washington, DC. Located at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, directly across from the White House, Blair House has hosted world leaders, royalty, and presidents, earning the title of “the world’s most exclusive hotel.”
The residence spans 70,000 square feet and comprises four interconnected townhouses with 119 rooms, including 14 guest rooms, 35 bathrooms, and three formal dining rooms. It also features a beauty salon and period furnishings showcasing American history and culture.