US President Donald Trump warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the White House, underscoring the strong personal and diplomatic bond between the two leaders and the continued strengthening of India-US relations.
Upon PM Modi’s arrival at the White House on Thursday (local time), President Trump greeted him with a warm hug, setting a friendly tone for their meeting. Trump expressed his heartfelt appreciation, saying, “We missed you; we missed you a lot,” a sentiment that highlighted their enduring friendship since Trump’s first term in 2017.
Going beyond the typical diplomatic exchanges, President Trump gifted PM Modi a copy of his book Our Journey Together, which includes several photographs capturing their previous joint events such as ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump.’ Trump inscribed a personal message in the book that read, “Mr. Prime Minister, You Are Great,” further emphasizing their mutual respect and camaraderie.
During the meeting, Trump demonstrated his warmth by pulling out a chair for PM Modi, a gesture that reflected his regard for the Indian leader. Trump also introduced PM Modi to key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The Indian delegation, which included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, arrived at the White House shortly after PM Modi.
In their discussions, President Trump spoke about the strength of the India-US relationship, emphasizing the “great unity and great friendship” between their countries. He expressed the importance of both nations remaining united and predicted that the ties between India and the US would continue to grow stronger.
PM Modi responded with equal warmth, expressing his delight at seeing President Trump back at the White House for a second term. He also conveyed confidence that the strategic partnership between the two nations would progress with “the same bond, trust, and excitement.” PM Modi also highlighted that the people of India had given him the honor of serving for a third consecutive term, a historic achievement in India’s political history.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to the United States since President Trump’s inauguration for his second term. As one of the first world leaders to visit the US post-election, PM Modi was invited to the White House within just three weeks of the new administration taking office.