Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a four day tour to three nations, Portugal, US and Netherlands. Modi arrived in US on Sunday for his second stop of the trip. The Indian community filled with energy and excitement arranged strings of events for the PM and extended a warm welcome to him.
Ahead of the meeting of US President Donald Trump and Narendra Modi scheduled on Monday, Modi held meetings with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and US Defence Secretary James Mattis respectively at the Hotel Willard Intercontinental, where the Indian prime minister is staying.
The meeting with Tillerson is being regarded as the warm up session before meeting Trump. “Preparing the ground for the meeting between the leaders. Mr. Rex W Tillerson, Secretary of State calls on PM,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted on the meeting.
Preparing the ground for the meeting between the leaders. Mr. Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State calls on PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/tGfeVDT3YD
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 26, 2017
The two leaders exchanged views on global issue of terrorism and agreed that both India and US share friendly bonds and will strengthen its ties on growing strategic partnership and hope to work on regional and global issues.
Narendra Modi also met US Defence Secretary James Mattis and according to reports after the meetings, America has sanctioned to sell 22 Guardian drones to India. Senior Indian officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present at the meeting. Though the deal of 22 drones is not yet formally announces, if confirmed it will be major step to strengthen the defence partnership between India and US.
First engagement of the day. Mr. Jim Mattis, Secretary of Defence calls on PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/SEujtPl8WH
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 26, 2017