US President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend” during his visit to the White House, emphasizing their long-standing ties. Welcoming Modi, Trump noted that they have maintained strong relations and highlighted the significance of their discussions on trade, oil, and gas. He praised Modi’s leadership and acknowledged India’s growing role in global commerce.
Speaking alongside PM Modi, Trump expressed his appreciation for their partnership. “It’s an honor to have Prime Minister Modi here. We have shared a great relationship over the years, and it’s wonderful to continue working together. India will be purchasing significant amounts of our oil and gas, which we have in abundance,” Trump stated. He also underscored the importance of trade relations, noting that energy collaboration would be a key focus.
Earlier, Trump greeted Modi at the White House’s West Wing lobby, where the two leaders exchanged a warm hug. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared an image of their meeting on social media, showcasing the camaraderie between the two leaders.
PM Modi was among the first world leaders invited to visit the US following Trump’s inauguration. The two leaders had spoken twice since November 2024, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar represented India at Trump’s inauguration and later met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and QUAD foreign ministers.
Before his meeting with Trump, Modi held discussions with key figures, including US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Modi’s visit to the US followed his three-day tour of France, where he co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on artificial intelligence, trade, and cultural collaboration.
