Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off his visit to the United States by meeting Tulsi Gabbard, the newly confirmed Director of National Intelligence. This meeting took place shortly after Gabbard’s confirmation. Modi shared a photo of the encounter on X (formerly Twitter), where he congratulated Gabbard and discussed the strong friendship between India and the US.
“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,” Modi posted.
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
Gabbard's New Role
Following a heated Senate hearing, Gabbard was confirmed as the US Director of National Intelligence. Although Republicans were initially hesitant, they eventually supported her nomination. As DNI, Gabbard will now oversee the US’s 18 intelligence agencies. However, she has faced criticism for her pro-Russia stance, her meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, and her past support for whistleblower Edward Snowden.
PM Modi’s Visit to Strengthen Ties with the US
Upon his arrival in Washington DC, PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community.
“A warm reception in the winter chill! Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them." Modi posted on X.
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
Stay at Blair House
During his visit, Modi will stay at Blair House, located directly across from the White House. The 70,000-square-foot residence has hosted many prominent global leaders. In his statement, Modi emphasized that this visit will not only strengthen the existing partnership but also establish new areas for cooperation between the two nations.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership
“This will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January. I have fond memories of working together during his first term to build a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US,” Modi said.
Furthermore, he added, “This visit will build on our past successes and create a new agenda to strengthen our partnership in areas like technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. We will work together for the benefit of our countries and the world.”
Since Trump’s 2024 election victory, Modi and Trump have spoken twice by phone, further solidifying their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.