Washington DC [US]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold bilateral meetings with US President Donald Trump and several prominent American figures during his two-day visit to the United States.
PM Modi’s itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with President Trump at the White House, followed by a joint press statement and a dinner hosted by the US leader later tonight.
The Prime Minister will also engage in discussions with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
In January, Waltz, who has served as the Republican chair of the US-India caucus, emphasized India’s importance in the US’s strategic interests. Last December, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Waltz, where they discussed bilateral ties and global challenges. Jaishankar expressed optimism about further collaboration with the US official.
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.… pic.twitter.com/dDMun17fPq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
A warm reception in the winter chill!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
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
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. pic.twitter.com/w2bhsh8CKF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
Elon Musk to Discuss Starlink and EV Sourcing
Tech mogul Elon Musk, who has been appointed as a special US government employee and leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is also set to meet PM Modi. According to a Reuters report citing anonymous sources, discussions are expected to include Starlink’s plans to launch satellite broadband services in India.
In December, Musk had announced that Starlink’s operations in India were inactive after authorities seized two of its devices—one from an armed conflict zone and another from a drug smuggling investigation.
While it remains uncertain whether Tesla’s entry into India will be on the agenda, sources suggest that increasing electric vehicle component sourcing from India will be a key discussion point.
Meeting with Vivek Ramaswamy
PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Indian-origin entrepreneur and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy.
Ramaswamy, who was previously in the race for the White House, later withdrew and endorsed Donald Trump, whom he had once called the “best president of the 21st century.”
Modi’s Arrival and Strategic Vision
Upon arrival in Washington, PM Modi was welcomed by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and other officials. This marks his first visit to the US since Donald Trump began his second term as president.
Expressing enthusiasm for the visit, PM Modi posted on X:
“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.”
Before departing for the US, PM Modi had described the visit as an opportunity to build upon past collaborations and chart a new course for India-US relations.
“Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.”
“This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his 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. We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world,” he added.