Looking forward to welcome true friend, says Trump as Modi arrives in US

Washington: Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “true friend,” President Donald Trump has said he looks forward to the Indian leader’s visit to the US.

Modi arrived in Washington on Sunday for his first meeting with the US leader as part of a three-nation, four-day tour.

The two leaders will hold talks on Monday afternoon in the White House and 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 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.

“This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think that’s very significant,” a senior administration official told reporters at the White House.

Ahead of his US visit, Modi said he looked forward to the opportunity of having an in-depth exchange of views.

“My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations & the world,” he had tweeted.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Modi said his two-day visit to Washington from June 25 was at the invitation of Trump.

Apart from official meetings with Trump and his cabinet colleagues, Modi will be meeting some prominent American CEOs.

In the first leg of the tour, Modi visited Portugal where he held talks with Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

After the US visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands on June 27 where he will have a meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and call on King Willem-Alexander and meet Queen Maxima.