US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard said on Friday (local time) that it was an “honor” to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US, expressing her enthusiasm for strengthening the friendship between the two nations.
In a post on X, Tulsi Gabbard stated, “It was an honor to welcome India’s Prime Minister @narendramodi back to the United States, and look forward to continuing to strengthen the US-India friendship.” She made the statement in response to a post shared by PM Modi regarding their meeting in Washington, DC, on Wednesday (local time).
PM Modi, who was on a two-day visit to the US, met with newly-appointed DNI Tulsi Gabbard and discussed various aspects of India-US ties. During their meeting, PM Modi congratulated Gabbard on her confirmation, acknowledging her as a “strong votary” of India-US relations. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings and a handshake.
PM Modi travelled to the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump. Upon arrival in Washington, DC, he was received by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and other officials. This marked PM Modi’s first visit to the United States after Trump assumed office for his second term.
During the visit, PM Modi met President Trump at the White House on Thursday (local time). The meeting, which was their first since Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US President on January 20, was marked by a warm hug between the two leaders.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided an overview of PM Modi’s visit, highlighting discussions with key figures such as newly confirmed DNI Tulsi Gabbard, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
According to Misri, the extensive four-hour discussions at the White House covered a broad range of issues, including strategic and security cooperation, defence, trade, economic engagement, technology, energy security, and regional and global concerns.
While addressing a press briefing on Thursday (local time), Misri stated, “The PM just concluded a very substantive and productive visit to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This is the Prime Minister’s first visit to the United States after the inauguration of President Trump for a second term. This visit is a signal of the priority that both leaders attach to the India-US relationship. The newly confirmed Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, paid a call to the PM. The PM received Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.”
“The discussions at the White House went on for four hours. The discussions covered a lot of ground. The entire gamut of the relationship, ranging from strategic and security cooperation, defence, trade and economic engagement, technology, energy security, and people-to-people linkages, regional and global issues of concern were dealt with,” he added.
PM Modi is among the first few world leaders to visit the United States following the inauguration of President Trump, being invited within barely three weeks of the new administration taking office. His visit underscores the importance both nations place on their growing bilateral partnership.