Just hours before Prime minister Narendra Modi lands in Washington, President Donald Trump took to Twitter saying he looked forward to meeting the Indian Prime Minister and discussing ‘important strategic issues’ with a ‘true friend’. President Donald Trump tweeted, “Look forward to welcoming India’s PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!” PM Modi left for Washington after his visit to Portugal during which the two nations signed 11 agreements. PM Modi arrived Portugal on June 24 and held wide ranging talks with his counterpart Antonio Costa. He also addressed the Indian community and presented the Overseas Citizen of India card to Costa.
The Modi-Trump meet is considered to be crucial as the US is reportedly expected to authorise India’s purchase of naval drones. The deal will be important as the security agreement on the purchase of 22 unarmed dornes which is worth more than $2 billion is touted to be one of the key tests of defence relations between the two countries. The defence ties between India and the US flourished under former President Barack Obama, but have now moved under Trump.
Even though Trump is calling India a true friend but still there are various sticky issues between the two nations such as H1B visas row and Trump’s take towards the Paris climate change deal. However, PM Modi still looks forward to the opportunity of having a detailed dialogue with the US. Ahead of his visit, he took to Twitter and wrote: “My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations & the world.”
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Apart from official meetings with President Trump and his cabinet colleagues, PM Modi will be meeting some prominent American CEOs, reported PTI. During his visit, which will be the first after Donald Trump’s take over, PM Modi is expected to have a detailed conversation on India’s key concerns which include the US government’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord and reviewing the H1B visa program, under which thousands of skilled Indian workers go to the US.