NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington, D.C., to a warm welcome amid chilly weather. He will meet President Donald Trump during his official working visit to the US.
This is Modi’s first visit to the US since the inauguration of Trump who assumed office on January 20.
Modi will be the fourth world leader to meet Trump in his second presidential term, the previous ones being Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Jordan King Abdullah.
This is also the earliest an Indian Prime Ministerhas met with a US President after his inauguration to the White House.
Modi’s first meeting upon landing was with Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence who called on the PM.
“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 said on X.
An official statement said Prime Minister fondly recalled his earlier interactions with Gabbard.
“The discussions touched on enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to a secure, stable, and rules-based international order,” the communique from PMO said.
The much anticipated Modi Trump meeting will have on the agenda defence cooperation and the sticking issues pertaining to Trump’s trade tariff raises and deportation of illegal immigrants.
While Trump is likely to demand fair trade relations having called India as a very big abuser on tariffs, PM Modi will likely flag the recent mistreatment of 104 Indian deportees sent back home in chains, triggering domestic outrage and calls from the Opposition to demand dignity for the immigrants who are not criminals.
Modi and Trump have in the past shared good personal rapport with Trump once describing the Prime Minister as the “nicest person.”
Prime Minister Modi has also mentioned “friend Trump” warmly.
India will look to strike a balance on trade tariffs with the US having already slashed import duties on several products the US exports to India.
More cuts are under consideration.
Broadly, the Prime Minister has said the visit will be an opportunity to elevate and deepen India US strategic ties.
For the US India remains a key force to counter-balance China’s influence in the region and its aggression in the Indo-Pacific.
Modi will stay at the Blair House.
Since its purchase by the federal government in 1942, Blair House primarily serves as the official guest residence of the President of the United States.