Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington, D.C., on
Thursday morning (IST) for a two-day official visit. One of his first
engagements was a meeting with Tulsi Gabbard, who was recently appointed as the
Director of National Intelligence in the U.S. administration. The meeting
underscored the continued strengthening of India-U.S. relations.
PM Modi took to social media to share a glimpse of his
interaction with Gabbard. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), he congratulated
her on her new role and appreciated her longstanding support for strong
India-U.S. ties. "Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence,
@TulsiGabbard in Washington, D.C. Congratulated her on her confirmation.
Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she has always
been a strong supporter," he wrote.
The Prime Minister received a grand welcome from the Indian
diaspora upon his arrival. Braving the winter chill, a large crowd gathered to
greet him. Expressing his gratitude, Modi posted, "A warm reception in the
winter chill! Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington,
D.C., has welcomed me with great enthusiasm. My heartfelt gratitude to
them."
During his visit, Modi is scheduled to hold a crucial
bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This meeting is expected to
be significant as it marks the first official engagement between the two
leaders since Trump commenced his second term as the U.S. President.
Discussions are expected to revolve around key bilateral issues, including
economic cooperation, defense collaborations, and strategic global
partnerships.
Ahead of the highly anticipated meeting, Modi expressed his
enthusiasm, stating, "Landed in Washington, D.C., a short while ago.
Looking forward to meeting @POTUS Donald Trump and further strengthening the
India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our countries will
continue working together for the benefit of our people and for a better future
for our planet. @realDonaldTrump."
The meeting with Trump holds substantial significance, as
Modi will be among the first world leaders to engage with him after his
inauguration as the 47th U.S. President on January 20. According to a report by
PTI, experts believe that the discussions could touch upon various sensitive
topics related to trade, defense, and global security.
The India-U.S. relationship has witnessed significant
progress in recent years, with collaborations spanning multiple sectors,
including technology, space exploration, and energy security. Both nations have
consistently reiterated their commitment to strengthening their partnership in
order to address global challenges and further mutual growth.
As Modi's U.S. visit continues, his engagements are expected
to shape the trajectory of India-U.S. ties in the coming years, reaffirming
their status as global strategic partners.