: PM Modi reaches Washington DC for bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump following France visit

PM Modi reaches Washington DC for bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump following France visit

After his successful visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Washington DC in the wee hours today in the second leg of his two nation tour where he will hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump. India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and other officials welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport. Members of the Indian community braved the harsh winters and gathered outside Blair House to welcome Mr. Modi who is among the first few world leaders to visit the United States following the inauguration of the US President.

In a social media post after reaching Washington DC this morning, the Prime Minister said, he is looking forward to meeting President Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. He added that both nations will keep working closely for the benefit of their people and for a better future for our planet. Prime Minister Modi met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard this morning.

Mr Modi is also scheduled to interact with senior U.S. administration figures, business leaders and members of the Indian community. Mr Modi has been invited to visit the U.S. within barely three weeks of the new administration taking office. This shows the importance of the India-U.S. partnership.

The visit will be a valuable opportunity to engage the new administration on all areas of mutual interest. There has been a very close rapport between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump dating back to Mr Trump's first term. There is a convergence of interests between the two countries in a number of areas including trade, investment, technology, defense cooperation, counter terrorism, security of the Indo-Pacific and people-to-people relations. )

Earlier, during their bilateral talks in Paris, Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their strong commitment to the India-France Strategic Partnership. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in the strategic areas of Defence, Civil Nuclear Energy and Space. They also held discussion on boosting technology, innovation, and investment ties, with special focus on the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation in 2026.

Mr Modi along with the French President visited the historic French city of Marseille yesterday after concluding a series of high-level engagements including the co-chairing of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit. The two leaders also held delegation level talks after their arrival in Marseille.

A Joint Statement outlining the roadmap for future cooperation was adopted, with ten key agreements signed in areas including civil nuclear energy, environment, and culture. Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron jointly inaugurated the new Indian Consulate in Marseille.

Briefing media in Marseille yesterday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron during their talks exchanged views on the recent geopolitical developments in Europe, West Asia and Indo-Pacific. The Foreign Secretary said, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a major area of bilateral discussion between the two sides.