Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Washington, DC, following a busy schedule in France. His visit includes a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump, where they will discuss significant topics such as trade, immigration, and diplomatic relations. Modi is among the select world leaders to be hosted at the White House, following meetings with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
During his brief 36-hour stay in the United States, PM Modi is residing at the prestigious Blair House, a guest house located directly opposite the White House. Before his arrival, the Indian flag was hoisted at Blair House, and members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome him.
Blair House: The Presidential Guesthouse
Blair House, often referred to as “the world’s most exclusive hotel,” has a rich history dating back to 1824. Originally built for Dr. Joseph Lovell, the first Surgeon General of the United States, the house was later purchased by Francis Preston Blair in 1837. Blair, a prominent political figure, acquired the residence after being invited by President Andrew Jackson to write for The Globe.
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#WATCH | Washington, DC: Indian diaspora braves the harsh winters and gathers outside Blair House to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi
A member of the Indian diaspora says, ” …We have people on crutches, and they have braved this great winter and snow…we are excited to… pic.twitter.com/Uie1b9p3lk
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2025
Blair House remained in the Blair family for over a century before being acquired by the US government in 1942. The decision to designate it as the official presidential guesthouse was influenced by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s frequent visits to Washington during World War II. One notable incident involved Churchill being caught by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wandering the White House corridors in his nightgown and smoking his signature cigar. Shortly afterward, President Franklin D. Roosevelt recommended purchasing Blair House as an official diplomatic residence, a decision later approved by Congress.
A Luxurious Residence for Global Leaders
Today, Blair House is an expansive 70,000-square-foot complex consisting of four interconnected townhouses. It boasts 119 rooms, including 14 guest bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, three formal dining rooms, and even a fully-equipped beauty salon. With a dedicated staff of 16 employees, the guesthouse offers luxury accommodations surpassing those of five-star hotels.
The décor at Blair House is a testament to American craftsmanship, featuring artwork that includes a distinguished 1864 portrait of Abraham Lincoln and a painting by former President George W. Bush. Over the years, the residence has undergone extensive renovations, including a major overhaul in 1988 and design updates in 2012 under Washington designer Thomas Pheasant.
Historic Events at Blair House
Blair House has hosted numerous significant moments in history. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 1950 when two Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman while he was residing there. The attack was thwarted by White House police and Secret Service agents, saving Truman’s life.
In 1994, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who was visiting the US, made headlines when he was found outside Blair House, inebriated and clad only in his underwear, attempting to hail a taxi for a late-night pizza run. The incident was later humorously recounted by then-President Bill Clinton.
Blair House has also accommodated distinguished guests’ pets, including Lulu, the beloved Chihuahua of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, who was treated as royalty during her stay.
PM Modi’s Stay at Blair House
For his short stay, PM Modi joins a long list of global leaders who have resided at Blair House. As he continues his diplomatic engagements, his visit is expected to further strengthen the India-US partnership in areas such as trade, defense, technology, and energy cooperation.
With his meeting with President Trump on the horizon, the world watches closely as Modi’s US visit unfolds, fostering new frameworks for collaboration between the two nations.
