Modi’s Washington visit: PM to stay at Blair House, strengthening ties with Trump’s White House

PM Modi to stay at the historic Blair House

Amid ongoing tariff and immigration issues between India and the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. His visit comes as the city braces for snow and sleet, making his stay at Blair House, the US Presidential guest house located across from the White House, all the more convenient.

Packed schedule: Six key bilateral meetings

PM Modi’s 36-hour visit includes a series of high-level engagements, culminating in a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House at 4 PM on Thursday. Later in the evening, the two leaders will hold a private dinner. Additionally, both Modi and Trump are expected to address the media in the Oval Office, either before or after their meeting.

Congress sidestepped in favour of strategic talks

Unlike past visits by Indian leaders, there is no scheduled engagement with the US Congress, an indication of the White House-centric approach under President Trump’s leadership. Sources suggest that the short duration of the visit is the primary reason for this omission, downplaying any political tensions. Officials also brushed aside concerns over tariffs and immigration issues, asserting that strategic priorities will take precedence in the discussions.

Modi among key early visitors to Trump’s White House

PM Modi will be the fourth foreign leader to meet Trump in the White House within a month of Trump’s second term. This level of diplomatic activity is unusual compared to previous US presidents. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was the first to visit, followed by Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who rushed to Washington after Trump threatened to cut aid to Jordan over its stance on Palestinian refugees from Gaza.

Key issues on the agenda

While US-India relations do not face any immediate crises, Washington is expected to pressure New Delhi on:

• Lowering tariffs on American goods
• Increasing US imports to reduce the trade deficit
• Addressing concerns over immigration policies

Additionally, the Trump administration has raised concerns over the BRICS group of countries, accusing them of attempting to undermine the US dollar’s global reserve status. India has strongly refuted such allegations.

Despite these policy disagreements, PM Modi’s visit signals the continued strength of the US-India partnership, with both nations prioritizing strategic cooperation over trade frictions.

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