Washington DC/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday began his US tour meeting Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard calling her a "strong votary" of the friendship between the two countries.

Modi has also congratulated Gabbard for her new role as the DNI.

The Prime Minister wrote on X, "Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary."

Modi and Gabbard held discussions on bilateral intelligence cooperation in disparate areas.

A statement by the PMO reads, "Prime Minister fondly recalled his earlier interactions with Ms Gabbard. The discussions touched on enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing.

"They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to a secure, stable, and rules-based international order,"

Gabbard, who is the first Hindu Congresswoman in the US, will work with the 18 intelligence agencies in the US as the DNI.

Modi arrived in the US on Wednesday for a two-day visit, which is his first since Donald Trump returned to the White House winning the November 5, 2024 Presidential elections.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday. The two leaders will discuss "all areas of mutual interest" including the very important trade.

The visit takes place in the backdrop of a huge row over the illegal Indian immigrants being repatriated by the US with handcuffs and chains.

Modi is also expected to meet billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Prior to his US visit, Modi's first stop was France where he participated in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit among various other programmes.