Washington, June 25: US President Donald Trump said Sunday ‘‘strategic issues’’ would be on the table when he holds talks with his ‘‘true friend’’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi here Monday, as the two leaders look to strike a personal rapport in their maiden meeting.
‘‘Look forward to welcoming India’s PM Modi to @WhiteHouse Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!’’, Trump posted on his official (@POTUS) Twitter handle, and said he was ‘‘greatly’’ looking forward to the meeting and discussions at the White House. Modi, who arrived here Sunday morning, will hold summit talks with Trump Monday afternoon in the White House and the two leaders would spend several hours together in various settings including one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, a reception and a working dinner.
The working dinner that Trump is hosting for Modi is the first of its kind under the current US administration. ‘‘The White House is very interested in making this a special visit. We’re really seeking to roll out the red carpet. In fact, the two (leaders) will have dinner, a working dinner at the White House,’’ a senior administration official told reporters at the White House. ‘This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think that’s very significant,’’ the official said. Modi was welcomed with loud cheers and applause by the Indian community members who were waiting outside the Willard InterContinental Hotel here to catch a glimpse of the Indian leader.
During his visit, Modi will also meet top American CEOs of global giants, including Apple, Microsoft and Google, here, with issues ranging from visas, investment and job creation expected to occupy centre-stage during the discussions.
On the eve of Modi’s US visit, the Trump administration had dismissed reports that it has been ignoring India, saying President Trump realises that the country has been a ‘‘force for good’’ in the world and ties with it were important.PTI
