Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Blair House in Washington, D.C., where he warmly greeted members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered to welcome him. The crowd, braving the cold winter temperatures, cheered and chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi Modi” as PM Modi stepped out to meet them. He smiled, waved, and shook hands with the excited members of the diaspora, expressing his appreciation for their warm reception.
Taking to X, PM Modi shared, “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
Asha Jadeja, a member of the Indian diaspora and a supporter of US President Donald Trump, spoke with ANI about the significance of PM Modi’s visit. “I think this is going to be one of the most impactful visits India will ever have with the US. Trump’s statements on having a permanent presence in Gaza are just the beginning, and a permanent presence in the Middle East is a paradigm shift,” she said.
PM Modi arrived in the US for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Trump. India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with other officials, welcomed PM Modi at the airport. This marks his first visit to the US since President Trump assumed office for his second term.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi shared his anticipation for meeting with President Trump and strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. “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,” he posted on X.
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during his visit, PM Modi is set to meet President Trump, US cabinet members, and industry leaders. Jaiswal also tweeted, “A new chapter in the India – US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi arrives on an official working visit to Washington D.C., USA.”
Indian diaspora members, who had gathered at Blair House to greet the Prime Minister, were visibly excited to show their support. One attendee said, “We have people on crutches who braved the cold and snow. We are excited to welcome PM Modiji to America.”
Alka Vyas, another member of the diaspora, expressed her admiration for PM Modi, saying, “I am here because I am a die-hard fan of Modiji. I admire everything he is doing for India, and we are here to support him.”
Baburaj, from Virginia, and Srinivas, both of whom belong to Telangana, also shared their enthusiasm. Baburaj noted, “All Indians are excited to see him,” while Srinivas said that the Indian-American community was thrilled that the US had extended such high priority to PM Modi, who represents 1.4 billion people.
PM Modi will stay at Blair House, the prestigious guest residence for foreign dignitaries visiting the White House. Situated across from the White House, Blair House has hosted world leaders, including presidents and royalty, earning its nickname as “the world’s most exclusive hotel.” It is a 70,000-square-foot complex that symbolizes American hospitality and diplomacy, with a rich history of fostering international relations.
Before departing, PM Modi had expressed that his visit would serve as an opportunity to build on the achievements of his first term, especially in advancing the strategic partnership between India and the US. “This visit will be an opportunity to further elevate and deepen our partnership in technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chain resilience,” he had said.
PM Modi and President Trump have spoken twice since November 2024, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also attended Trump’s inauguration. Jaishankar participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in January 2025 as well.
The Prime Minister’s US trip follows a visit to France, where he met US Vice President JD Vance. The two discussed key topics, including how the US can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through clean, reliable US nuclear technology. Following the meeting, PM Modi, Vice President Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance enjoyed coffee together. PM Modi also took the opportunity to share gifts with the Vance children and wished Vice President Vance’s son, Vivek, a happy birthday.