Washington, Feb 13 (NationPress) Members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside Blair House to welcome Prime Minister Modi. People carried flags of India and the US and displayed posters that read "America welcomes Narendra Modi," showcasing their enthusiasm for the Prime Minister’s visit to the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington D.C. on Wednesday (local time) for an official working visit, marking a new milestone in the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States.

During his two-day visit, PM Modi will engage with US President Donald Trump, members of the US Cabinet, and notable industry leaders to bolster bilateral relations.

Upon his arrival at Blair House, the Prime Minister was welcomed by a significant number of members from the Indian diaspora who braved the cold temperatures. Chants of "Modi, Modi" resonated as the crowd cheered and waved the Indian tricolor. PM Modi took a brief moment to interact with the attendees, expressing his gratitude for their warm reception.

This visit is anticipated to focus on crucial areas such as technology, defense, trade, and energy, further enhancing the expanding partnership between India and the US.

PM Modi's visit to the US is at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. This marks PM Modi's first visit to the United States since Trump commenced his second term.

During his stay, PM Modi will hold discussions with US President Trump.

PM Modi will be residing at Blair House — the historic guest accommodation for dignitaries visiting the White House. Located at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, directly opposite the White House, this historic residence is not an ordinary guest house.

Blair House has welcomed presidents, royalty, and global leaders, earning its title as "the world's most exclusive hotel".

Blair House serves as more than just a luxurious guest lodging; it symbolizes American hospitality and diplomacy, a place where relationships are built, and history unfolds. It is a lavish, 70,000-square-foot extension of the White House.

In his departure statement, PM Modi remarked, "Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I hold a very warm recollection of our collaboration during his first term in developing a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US."

"This visit will provide an opportunity to build upon our previous successes and establish an agenda to further enhance and deepen our partnership, particularly in technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chain resilience. We will collaborate for the mutual benefit of our peoples and work towards a better future for the globe," he added.

Since November 2024, PM Modi and Trump have engaged in two phone conversations.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar attended the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump.

During this visit, EAM Jaishankar also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting in January 2025.

Notably, India and the US initiated a "strategic partnership" in 2005.

The relationship between the two nations was elevated to the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during Trump's visit to India in February 2020.

During the first Trump administration, the Indo-Pacific region gained notable consideration as a key strategic area in US foreign policy.

PM Modi is traveling to the US after concluding a three-day visit to France.

During his stay in France, PM Modi met with US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday (local time).

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, "reliable" US nuclear technology, as stated in an official White House announcement.