Trump Welcomes Modi with Warm Gestures During White House Visit

During his visit to the White House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from U.S. President Donald Trump, who emphasised their strong bond. The meeting covered key topics like trade and defence, with Trump acknowledging Modi’s negotiation skills. The visit reaffirmed India-U.S. diplomatic relations amid ongoing global discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump extended a warm welcome to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the White House on Thursday. The leaders discussed key issues, including defence cooperation and trade, reaffirming the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Upon Modi’s arrival, Trump greeted him with a firm handshake and an affectionate embrace, saying, “We missed you, we missed you a lot.” Modi, reciprocating the warmth, responded with a smile, “It’s great to see you again.” Their camaraderie was evident throughout the meeting, which also included discussions on economic partnerships and regional security.

During the interaction, Trump personally pulled out a chair for Modi, a gesture symbolising respect. Additionally, he gifted Modi his book Our Journey Together, with a personal note praising the Indian leader. The event also saw Modi meeting high-profile U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk, who currently heads the Department of Government Efficiency.

In a joint press conference, Trump referred to Modi as “a special man” and acknowledged his strong negotiation skills, humorously admitting that Modi was the “tougher negotiator” between the two. While the discussions were largely friendly, Trump reiterated the U.S. stance on tariffs, indicating that India would not receive exemptions from recent trade policies.

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Modi’s visit, among the first by a foreign leader since Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, highlighted the significance of U.S.-India relations. With both leaders engaging in multiple diplomatic exchanges over recent months, this meeting further cemented their partnership on global issues.