(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day US visit with a series of meetings, including one with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz where they discussed cooperation in sectors like defence, security, and technology.
There was strong potential for cooperation in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and space, Prime Minister Modi said after NSA Waltz called on him in Washington DC on Thursday (February 13, 2025). Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump later in the day.
“Had a fruitful meeting with NSA @michaelgwaltz. He has always been a great friend of India. Defence, technology and security are important aspects of India-USA ties and we had a wonderful discussion around these issues. There is strong potential for cooperation in sectors like AI, semiconductors, space and more,” Prime Minister Modi said on social media platform X.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was the first high-ranking US official to call on Prime Minister Modi after his arrival in Washington DC on Tuesday evening.
Their discussions touched on enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to a secure, stable, and rules-based international order, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi fondly recalled his earlier interactions with Director Gabbard. Incidentally, Prime Minister Modi is the first international dignitary Gabbard met after her confirmation as Director National Intelligence.
“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,” Prime Minister Modi said on social media platform X.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to the US since the inauguration of the second presidential term of Donald Trump. That it comes weeks after the Trump administration assumed office indicates the importance of the India-US partnership.
This was reflective of the bipartisan support that this partnership enjoys in the United States, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said while briefing the media in New Delhi on February 7, 2025. According to Misri, the visit will be a valuable opportunity to engage the new administration on all areas of mutual interest.
During President Trump’s first term, Prime Minister Modi visited the US on two occasions – in 2017 and 2019. Prime Minister Modi was one of the first international leaders to call him and congratulate him after his victory in the US Presidential elections. After President Trump’s inauguration last month, Prime Minister Modi again called him to wish him.
Prime Minister Modi shared a warm relationship marked by camaraderie and close cooperation on bilateral as well as strategic issues during Trump’s previous term as President. Two public events, ‘Howdy Modi’ in Houston, US in September 2019 and ‘Namaste Trump’ in Ahmedabad, India in 2020 showcased the close personal rapport between the two leaders. The two leaders first met in Washington DC in June 2017.
India News Network
