Trump expresses heartfelt sentiment to PM Modi during reunion
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Synopsis
During a heartfelt reunion, US President Donald Trump told PM Modi, "We missed you a lot." This meeting marked the first since Trump's re-election, where they reflected on their strong friendship and previous encounters, aiming to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership.
Key Takeaways
- Trump warmly welcomed Modi after five years.
- They reminisced about their previous meetings.
- PM Modi expressed gratitude for Trump's hospitality.
- Trump praised Modi's leadership and friendship.
- They aim to strengthen India-US ties moving forward.
Washington, Feb 14 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump expressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "We missed you, we missed you a lot," during their reunion after five years.
Upon his warm welcome at the White House on Thursday, PM Modi embraced him, saying, "It's wonderful to see you again."
This marked PM Modi's inaugural meeting with Trump since his re-election, and they quickly resumed their camaraderie from the past.
During a subsequent news briefing, they reflected on their enduring friendship and reminisced about previous encounters.
Trump remarked, "I am excited to welcome my friend Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, back to the White House."
"He is a remarkable individual," he added.
Trump fondly recalled PM Modi's generous hospitality during his visit to India in 2020, expressing his pleasure to reciprocate the warmth.
The "Namaste Trump" rally organized by PM Modi in Ahmedabad was described as "extraordinary," he noted.
PM Modi expressed his "sincere gratitude to my friend President Trump for the magnificent welcome and hospitality extended to me."
Their last meeting as President and Prime Minister was in February 2020 when Trump traveled to India and was honored at the monumental "Namaste Trump" rally attended by over 129,000 people in Ahmedabad.
Previously, Trump participated in the "Howdy Modi" rally for Indian Americans in Houston in 2019, where they were celebrated by around 50,000 attendees.
As they prepared for their official discussions, Trump introduced PM Modi to his Cabinet members and nominees.
Trump's adviser, Elon Musk, who oversees the Department of Government Efficiency and had met Modi earlier that day, greeted him again.
Trump welcomed PM Modi in the West Wing lobby of the White House.
He introduced PM Modi to other officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared a photo of PM Modi and Trump on X.
Sharing the image on X, Scavino remarked, "Behind the Scenes in the West Wing lobby -- @POTUS Trump welcomes Prime Minister @NarendraModi of India to the @WhiteHouse."
The Indian delegation, which included External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, arrived shortly after PM Modi's entrance.
Prior to PM Modi's arrival, Indian flags were being displayed at the White House.
Upon meeting Donald Trump at the White House, PM Modi expressed his joy at seeing him return for a second term. He conveyed his confidence that both nations would continue to strengthen the India-US strategic partnership with the "same bond, trust, and excitement."
"I am thrilled to see you back in the White House. I extend congratulations on behalf of 1.4 billion people of India... The people of India granted me the chance to serve as PM for a third consecutive term. In this term, I look forward to collaborating with President Trump once more over the next four years, and it is a true honor. Based on my prior experience with you during your first term, I am sure we will continue to advance the India-US strategic partnership with the same bond, trust, and excitement," PM Modi stated.
He is among the first world leaders to visit the United States following President Trump's inauguration. He was invited to visit within three weeks after the new administration took office.
Since November 2024, PM Modi and Trump have had two phone conversations.
EAM Jaishankar attended Trump's inauguration as PM Modi's Special Envoy. During this visit, EAM Jaishankar also met Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting in January 2025.
Before his meeting with Trump at the White House, PM Modi conducted bilateral discussions with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.
PM Modi arrived in the US at Donald Trump's invitation on Wednesday (local time), following a three-day visit to France. During his time in France, PM Modi met US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday (local time).
It is noteworthy that India and the US established a "strategic partnership" in 2005, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during Trump's visit to India in February 2020.
