PM Modi to Reside at Washington's Blair House During US Visit
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to stay at Blair House during his visit to the US, a historic guest lodging for dignitaries. He aims to strengthen the India-US partnership through discussions on technology, trade, defense, and energy.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi to stay at Blair House in Washington.
- Visit aims to enhance India-US relations.
- Blair House symbolizes American hospitality.
- Discussions will focus on technology and trade.
- Meeting will strengthen Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Washington, Feb 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be residing at Blair House – the historic guest accommodation for dignitaries visiting the White House.
Situated at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, directly across from the White House, this historic establishment is far from an ordinary guest house. Blair House has welcomed Presidents, royalty, and global leaders, earning its title as "the world's most exclusive hotel".
The residence has been adorned with the Indian flag as Prime Minister Modi prepares for his two-day visit to the US.
His trip comes at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.
Prior to his departure, PM Modi mentioned that this visit will be a chance to build on the achievements from his first term and to enhance the agenda for a stronger partnership between the two nations.
Blair House is not merely a luxurious guest accommodation; it symbolizes American hospitality and diplomacy, serving as a venue where relationships are cultivated and history is written.
This 70,000-square-foot facility is more than just one house; it comprises a complex of four interconnected townhouses. With 119 rooms, including 14 guest bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, three formal dining rooms, and a fully-equipped beauty salon, Blair House promises a five-star experience for its guests. The decor showcases American history and craftsmanship, featuring antique furniture, fine art, and a plethora of historical artifacts.
In his departure statement, PM Modi remarked, "Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have fond memories of our collaboration during his first term in developing 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 enhance and deepen our partnership in areas such as technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chain resilience. Together, we aim to benefit the citizens of our nations and shape a better future for the world," he added.
Since November 2024, the two leaders have conversed via phone twice.
External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, attended the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump.
During this visit, EAM Jaishankar also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting in January 2025.
Importantly, India and the US established a "strategic partnership" in 2005.
The relationship between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during President Trump's visit to India in February 2020.
During the first Trump administration, the Indo-Pacific region received significant focus as a key strategic area in US foreign policy.
PM Modi is heading to the US following a three-day visit to France.
While in France, PM Modi met with US Vice President J.D. Vance on Tuesday (local time), where they discussed topics 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 release from the White House.
Post-meeting, the two leaders, alongside the Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together. PM Modi also took the chance to present gifts to the Vance children and wished the Vice President's son, Vivek, a happy birthday, as noted in the White House statement.
"Today, Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee and discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the US can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, reliable US nuclear technology. Prime Minister Modi graciously shared gifts with the Vance children and wished the Vice President's son, Vivek, a happy birthday," the statement elaborated.
