PM Modi Arrives in DC, to Meet Trump

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

PM Modi arrived in Washington DC for a two-day US visit.
He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Donald Trump.
Discussions will cover trade, energy, defense, and technological partnerships.
PM Modi is the fourth world leader to meet Trump in his second presidential term.
The US recently deported 104 illegal Indian immigrants.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Washington DC for a two-day visit to the US. During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, February 13. This US visit is significant for strengthening ties.

Expected Areas of Discussion

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The two leaders are expected to discuss a host of topics of mutual interest, including trade, energy, defense, security, technological partnership, and strategic cooperation, among others. Upon his landing, PM Modi shared a tweet expressing his eagerness to meet President Trump and further strengthen the India-US partnership. This Modi Trump meeting will be closely watched.

“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,” the PM wrote on X. This marks PM Modi’s first visit to the US since Trump’s return to the White House for a second term. It’s an important step in fostering India-US relations.

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Meeting Other World Leaders

PM Modi will be the fourth world leader, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba, and Jordan’s king Abdullah II, to meet Trump in his second presidential term. This underscores India’s importance on the global stage.

Staying at Blair House

While in the US, PM Modi will be staying at the Blair House, the historic guest house designated for dignitaries visiting the White House. The Blair House, also known as the “world’s most exclusive hotel”, has hosted presidents, royalty, and world leaders in the past.

Welcome by the Indian Community

Before Prime Minister Modi landed in the US capital city, members of the Indian community gathered outside the Blair House holding the Indian tricolor and the Star-Spangled Banner (US national flag) in their hands. The Indian leader did not disappoint the members of the Indian community, who were impatiently waiting for him outside the Blair House and met with them and greeted them amid cheers.

Meeting with the Director of National Intelligence

After reaching the US, PM Modi called on US Director Of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in Washington DC, hours after the Senate confirmed her appointment to the position. Gabbard’s appointment, backed by President Donald Trump, positions her at the helm of America’s 18 intelligence agencies, overseeing and coordinating their operations.

Immigration Issues

PM Modi’s visit assumes more significance than ever before against the backdrop of the February 5 deportation of 104 illegal Indian immigrants by the US, which raised a few eyebrows back in India. The issue of immigration will likely be addressed.

Just last Friday, the government announced that the authorities in the US have identified another 487 illegal Indian migrants living in the country, who are set to be deported soon.

Possible Meeting with Elon Musk

Also during his visit, the Prime Minister is likely to call on Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk, who also happens to head Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), news agency Reuters reported. Starlink’s entry into the Indian market is likely to find space in the discussions between PM Modi and Musk, it added, citing people familiar with the plans. A Modi Musk meeting could boost investment.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. As per reports, Starlink is looking to start its operations in India, with the government backing the idea of spectrums being assigned and not auctioned.

“Musk is agreeable to give assurances on India security concerns, which includes storing data locally,” Reuters said quoting a source.

A day before, PM Modi met with US Vice President JD Vance and his family in Paris. The PM met Vance’s family, including his Indian-American wife, Usha Vance, and their two children. The Indian leader took to X to share images from the meeting, calling it a “wonderful” interaction.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed for US after concluding his 3-day visit to France, where he attended the International AI Action Summit, the 14th India-France CEO Forum and held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The PM also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), where engineers are trying to replicate the Sun’s energy.

PM Modi was joined by Macron on the visit as the two leaders met and interacted with scientists and engineers of the facility.

Also, the Prime Minister and French officials jointly inaugurated India’s new consulate in Marseille in southern France, further strengthening people-to-people ties and diplomatic presence.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

PM Modi arrives in DC, set to meet President Trump. Discussions on trade, energy, and defense will be there. The US deported illegal immigrants.