PM Modi arrives in Washington for high-level meetings with US leadership

PM Modi lands in the US for a two-day official visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington D.C., on Wednesday (local time) for a two-day visit at the invitation of the White House. This marks his first trip to the US since President Donald Trump began his second term. The visit focuses on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade, defence, and technology.

Sharing his arrival update on X, PM Modi wrote:
“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.”

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.… pic.twitter.com/dDMun17fPq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025

Upon landing at Joint Base Andrews, he was welcomed by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with senior officials. During his stay, PM Modi will be hosted at Blair House, a historic guest residence for dignitaries visiting the White House.

A warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Washington

Despite freezing winter temperatures, members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside Blair House to welcome PM Modi. Supporters chanted slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Modi Modi” in his honor.

Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi posted 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 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. pic.twitter.com/H1LXWafTC2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025

Community members shared their excitement about his visit. Baburaj, a Virginia resident originally from Telangana, said, “Today, the Indian diaspora is so excited… All Indians are thrilled to see him.” Another attendee, Srinivas, added, “We, the Indian-American diaspora, are here to welcome Prime Minister Modi. It is an honor that the US has given the highest priority to our Prime Minister. He represents 1.4 billion people.”

PM Modi meets US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard

One of PM Modi’s first engagements in Washington was a meeting with Tulsi Gabbard, the newly confirmed US Director of National Intelligence.

Gabbard’s confirmation was approved by the Senate in a 52-48 vote, with most Republicans supporting her despite earlier concerns regarding her past remarks on Russia, her meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and her advocacy for whistleblower Edward Snowden. Senator Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to oppose her nomination.

During their meeting, PM Modi recalled past interactions with Gabbard and congratulated her on her new role. Their discussions centered on strengthening intelligence cooperation between India and the US, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasizing a commitment to a stable and rules-based international order.

Sharing details of their discussion, PM Modi posted on X:
“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.”

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. pic.twitter.com/w2bhsh8CKF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025

Gabbard, a military veteran and former Democratic representative from Hawaii, now oversees 18 intelligence agencies as the head of the US intelligence community.

Upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump

PM Modi is set to meet President Trump during his visit, with discussions expected to cover trade, tariffs, defense partnerships, and economic collaboration.

Ahead of his trip, PM Modi underscored the importance of strong India-US relations, stating:
“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.”

The MEA also outlined the agenda, noting that PM Modi will hold both restricted and delegation-level meetings with President Trump. Senior US officials are also expected to engage with the Prime Minister during his stay.

Possible meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk

According to sources, PM Modi is expected to meet Tesla CEO Elon Musk during his visit. Their discussions may include the potential entry of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service into the Indian market.

The meeting could also explore investment opportunities in India’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector, as well as potential collaborations in technology and energy.

Blair House: PM Modi’s official residence in the US

PM Modi is staying at Blair House, the official guest residence for foreign dignitaries visiting Washington D.C. Situated at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, directly across from the White House, Blair House is often referred to as “the world’s most exclusive hotel.”

The residence spans 70,000 square feet and comprises four interconnected townhouses. It features 119 rooms, including 14 guest rooms, 35 bathrooms, and three formal dining rooms. Blair House also boasts a beauty salon and period furnishings that reflect American history and culture.

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