Blair House, the official guest residence for visiting dignitaries, has been adorned with the Indian flag as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to arrive in Washington, DC, for a two-day visit to the United States.
PM Modi is traveling to the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This marks his first visit to the United States since Trump began his second presidential term. Modi is arriving in the US following his three-day trip to France.
In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted that his visit provides an opportunity to build on the progress made during the first term of President Trump’s administration. He emphasized the importance of advancing the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US, particularly in areas such as technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chain resilience.
“Although this will be our first meeting after his historic electoral victory, I have fond memories of working closely with him during his first term to strengthen the India-US relationship,” PM Modi said. “This visit will allow us to take our collaboration further and create a stronger future for both nations, working for the mutual benefit of our peoples.”
Since November 2024, PM Modi and President Trump have spoken twice by phone. During the inauguration of Trump’s second term, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the ceremony, meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participating in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.
During his recent visit to France, PM Modi also met with US Vice President JD Vance. The two discussed a range of topics, including how the US can assist India in diversifying its energy sources by investing in clean and reliable US nuclear technology. After their meeting, PM Modi, Vice President Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance shared coffee, with the Indian Prime Minister also gifting presents to the Vance children and wishing Vice President Vance’s son, Vivek, a happy birthday.
PM Modi later shared on X, “Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!”
Vice President Vance responded, expressing his appreciation for PM Modi’s kindness, stating, “Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids enjoyed the gifts. I’m grateful to him for the wonderful conversation.”
