PM Modi Congratulates Gabbard on Her Appointment, Discusses Strengthening India-US Ties
Washington, DC [US], February 13:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard in Washington, DC, on Wednesday (local time) as part of his two-day visit to the United States.
During their meeting, PM Modi congratulated Gabbard on her appointment and reaffirmed her strong advocacy for India-US relations. The two leaders engaged in discussions on deepening bilateral ties and expanding strategic cooperation.
“Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard, in Washington, DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary,” PM Modi posted on X.
The meeting took place just hours after Gabbard was sworn in as the first Indian-American to hold the DNI position at a ceremony in the White House.
A Grand Welcome for PM Modi in Washington
PM Modi arrived in the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump, marking his first visit to America since Trump assumed office for a second term. He was warmly received at the airport by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and other officials.
Upon reaching Blair House, the official guest residence of the White House, PM Modi was greeted by a large crowd of Indian diaspora members chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi!”
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Modi wrote on X:
“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.”
Strengthening the India-US Strategic Partnership
In a statement before his visit, PM Modi highlighted the importance of building on past successes and advancing India-US collaboration across multiple sectors.
“This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in President Trump’s first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience,” he said.
“We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world,” Modi added.
Since Trump’s re-election in November 2024, PM Modi and Trump have spoken twice over the phone. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended Trump’s inauguration ceremony in January 2025 and met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Bilateral Discussions on Trade, Security, and Diplomacy
During the visit, PM Modi will engage in high-level talks with President Trump, key members of the US Cabinet, and business leaders.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X:
“A new chapter in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi arrives on an official working visit to Washington, DC, USA. During the visit, PM will meet @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, members of the US Cabinet & industry leaders.”
PM Modi’s visit comes after concluding a three-day trip to France, where he also met US Vice President JD Vance.
India-US Ties: A Growing Strategic Partnership
The India-US strategic partnership began in 2005 and was upgraded to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during Trump’s first visit to India in 2020. The two nations continue to collaborate on defence, technology, and economic growth, reinforcing their status as key allies on the global stage.
With discussions set to unfold between PM Modi and President Trump, expectations are high for further strengthening of diplomatic and strategic relations between the world’s two largest democracies.