Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and other key American figures during his two-day visit to the United States.
Following his meeting with President Trump at the White House, both leaders will issue a joint press statement, after which the U.S. President will host a dinner in Modi’s honor.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary also includes meetings with U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
In January, Waltz, who serves as the Republican chair of the U.S.-India caucus, emphasized India’s importance in U.S. strategic interests. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had met with Waltz in December, where they discussed bilateral relations and global issues. Following the discussion, Jaishankar expressed optimism about working with Waltz.
Delighted to meet Rep. @michaelgwaltz this evening.
Enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership as well as current global issues. Look forward to working with him.
🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ngRUnH0AIF
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 28, 2024
Tech magnate Musk, who has been appointed as a special U.S. government employee and currently leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE), is also set to meet PM Modi. According to a Reuters report citing two anonymous sources, the Indian government is expected to discuss Starlink’s plans to launch satellite broadband services in India.
In December, Musk revealed that Starlink’s services in India had been halted after authorities seized two company devices—one in a conflict zone and another during a drug smuggling operation, Reuters reported.
It remains unclear whether Tesla’s potential entry into the Indian market will be part of the discussion between Modi and Musk. However, Reuters sources indicate that increasing the procurement of electric vehicle components from India is likely to be on the agenda.
PM Modi is also expected to meet Indian-origin entrepreneur and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy.
Ramaswamy, who was previously in the race for the U.S. presidency, had withdrawn his candidacy and endorsed Donald Trump. The businessman-turned-politician gained attention for his strong debate performances and had previously described Trump as the “best president of the 21st century.”
PM Modi arrived in the U.S. for his two-day visit at President Trump’s invitation. He was welcomed at the airport by India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with other officials. This marks Modi’s first trip to the United States since Trump assumed office for his second term.
Upon his arrival, Modi expressed enthusiasm about his engagements with Trump and strengthening the India-U.S. partnership.
“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,” PM Modi posted on X.
Before departing for the U.S., Modi highlighted the significance of the visit, emphasizing that it provides an opportunity to build upon previous collaborative successes and further strengthen ties between the two nations.
“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,” Modi added.
