On Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington, D.C., for an official visit to meet President Donald Trump. This makes him only the fourth foreign leader to visit the White House since Trump took office.
During his visit, Modi met with several key figures, including Tulsi Gabbard, the new director of national intelligence, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Elon Musk, and Indian-American politician Vivek Ramaswamy.
Later, Trump was set to host Modi for a meeting in the Oval Office and a joint dinner. They were also expected to hold a press conference to discuss various topics.
Upon landing in the chilly weather of Washington, Modi shared his excitement on social media, expressing a desire to strengthen the partnership between India and the U.S. He emphasized the importance of working together for their people and for the future of the planet.
Before the meetings, the U.S. administration outlined its hopes for discussions around defense, energy, and trade with India. Officials noted their intent to enhance defense sales, focus on energy exports, and discuss ways to improve trade relations, addressing the bilateral trade deficit.
One official mentioned that India’s early signals on tariffs were encouraging and they were hopeful for a fair trade deal this year. Discussions on defense procurement from the U.S. were progressing well, and technology cooperation was seen as a major focus area for both nations.
Modi is staying at Blair House, which is the presidential guesthouse next to the White House. His visit started with meetings that helped him reconnect with old friends and establish new relationships.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were part of Modi’s discussions. Doval’s presence was significant since he had not traveled to the U.S. during Modi’s last visit.
The first meeting on Wednesday night was with Gabbard after her confirmation as the director of national intelligence. It was her first official engagement with a foreign leader, and the two discussed enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation, especially in counterterrorism and cybersecurity. They also talked about global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to a stable international order.
On Thursday morning, NSA Waltz visited Modi at Blair House, where they talked about important issues like defense, technology, and security. Modi emphasized the potential for cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space.
Modi later met with Musk, who is known for his impactful work in various sectors, including space and electric vehicles. They discussed topics of mutual interest, such as technology and innovation. Modi highlighted India’s commitment to good governance and how the country is reforming its governmental processes.
The discussions with Musk included plans for collaboration between Indian and U.S. entities exploring fields like space exploration and sustainable development. Musk aims to connect with India through initiatives like Starlink, although this has raised concerns among some in India regarding competition and national security.
Modi’s final significant meeting was with Ramaswamy, who is making strides in the Republican primaries with a focus on Trump’s policies. Despite some challenges, Ramaswamy remains a notable figure within the conservative movement in America.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi,Donald Trump,India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,defence technology cooperation,Elon Musk
