Donald Trump awaits his true friend' Narendra Modi

New Delhi/Washington: Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “true friend”, United States President Donald Trump has said he looks forward to the Indian leader’s visit to the US, which began on Sunday.

“Look forward to welcoming India’s PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!” Mr Trump posted from his official (@POTUS) Twitter handle.

Mr Modi meanwhile arrived in Washington on the second leg of his three-nation tour for his first bilateral meeting with Mr Trump, as the two leaders are set to hold discussions on a set of “strategically important” issues.

Mr Modi, in his reply to Mr Trump, thanked him for the “warm personal welcome” and said he was greatly” looking forward to the meeting and discussions at the White House.

Despite Mr Trump’s targeting of India over the Paris climate change accord and fears over his maverick nature, the US President’s tweet now has raised hopes that Indo-US ties would continue to remain strong and continue its momentum from the time of the Obama Administration.

Over dinner, Modi, Trump to discuss civil nuclear deal
Mr Trump will host Mr Modi at the White House on Monday afternoon (Tuesday early morning IST) and the two leaders will spend about five hours together in various settings beginning with their bilateral discussion, delegation level talks, a reception and a working dinner, the first of its kind hosted by this administration.

Speculation is rife that India will focus on areas of convergence with the US like defence, the strategic partnership, ways to tackle terrorism that emanates from Pakistan and increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Asia Pacific. According agency reports, the Indo-US civil nuclear deal is also expected to figure during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump on Monday, but a pact between the NPCIL and Westinghouse to build six power reactors in Andhra Pradesh is unlikely to be signed.

According to these reports, financial turmoil in Westinghouse and absence of a functional reference atomic plant were the main impediments behind the NPCIL’s unwillingness to sign the agreement with the American nuclear giant. “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,” a senior administration official said.