A mobile billboard advertising truck in Washington, DC has showcased boards featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, with messages such as “Paving the Path for Progress: US-India Alliance in Developing Skilled Workforce” and “Pillars of Friendship, Pathways of Progress.”
The display comes just hours ahead of the much-anticipated meeting between PM Modi and President Trump at the White House, marking their first in-person interaction since Trump assumed office for a second term on January 20.
Since November 2024, the two leaders have spoken twice over the phone, reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between the nations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at Trump’s inauguration ceremony and held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the visit. Jaishankar also participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.
Ahead of the PM Modi-Trump summit, PM Modi engaged in key bilateral meetings with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
PM Modi’s two-day visit to the US, at President Trump’s invitation, began with a warm welcome at the airport by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and other senior officials. This marks Modi’s first visit to the US since Trump’s second term began.
Upon arrival, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties, stating on X: “Landed in Washington DC a short while ago. Looking forward to meeting @POTUS Donald Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our nations will keep working closely for the benefit of our people and for a better future for our planet.”
PM Modi’s US visit follows his three-day tour of France, where he also met with US Vice President JD Vance in Paris on Tuesday.
The India-US relationship, which took a significant leap in 2005 with the launch of a strategic partnership, was further elevated to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during President Trump’s maiden visit to India in February 2020.
(Inputs from ANI)
