PM Modi meets NSA Michael Waltz in Washington DC, discusses India-US defence, technology

PM Modi said he had a "wonderful discussion" with Waltz and that there is strong potential for cooperation in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and space among others.

"Had a fruitful meeting with NSA@michaelgwaltz. He has always been a great friend of India. Defence, technology and security are important aspects of India-USA ties and we had a wonderful discussion around these issues. There is strong potential for cooperation in sectors like AI, semiconductors, space and more," he wrote in a post on X.

The meeting comes ahead of Modi's bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump during which the two leaders are likely to discuss tariffs, trade and immigration.

Trump and Modi, who share a bonhomie from the Republican leader's first term in 2016-2020, are likely to get down to some serious issues of trade cutting across the warm hugs amid the White House's increase in taxes on imports from all countries.

Though Trump is fond of Modi, the US President, who has levied 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports very recently, calls India a "very big abuser" on trade.

Modi is likely to promise Trump increased liquified natural gas, combat vehicle and jet engine purchases, the Indian government officials told Reuters in anonymity.