President Donald Trump is kicking off an afternoon of meetings at the White House with India’s prime minister.
The Latest on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Donald Trump (all times EDT) :
3: 45 p.m.
President Donald Trump is kicking off an afternoon of meetings at the White House with India’s prime minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by Trump outside the South Portico of the White House.
The two are expected to discuss a range of issues, from trade and climate change to opportunities for partnership on security issues.
Trump has thus far focused on outreach to China as he looks to Beijing to rein in nuclear-armed North Korea. But Washington and New Delhi share concerns about China’s rise as a military power.
Trump and Modi are expected to issue joint statements in the Rose Garden following their meetings.
Trump will later host the Indian delegation for dinner, making Modi the first world leader to receive a White House dinner in his honor.
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1: 15 p.m.
The State Department has imposed sanctions on the Pakistan-based leader of a militant group that fights against Indian control in the divided territory of Kashmir.
The designation of Syed Salahuddin (SAI-ed sah-lah-hoo-DEEN) will be welcomed by India, whose prime minister is meeting Monday with President Donald Trump.
The action bars U. S. persons from financial transactions with Salahuddin.
He is a senior leader of the largest rebel group fighting Indian rule in Kashmir, Hizbul Mujahideen. The group demands the Himalayan region’s merger with Pakistan.
The department says that in September 2016, Salahuddin vowed to block any peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. He threatened to train Kashmiri suicide bombers and turn the Kashmir valley “into a graveyard for Indian forces.” The U. S. says the militant group has claimed responsibility for several attacks.
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8: 34 a.m.
President Donald Trump will welcome India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House.
Modi is expected Monday afternoon for meetings with Trump and dinner with the president and first lady.
The meeting is the first between the leaders of the world’s two largest democracies. It takes place amid uncertainty over the relationship because of differences on trade and other issues.
Trump has focused on outreach to China, India’s strategic rival, as he looks to Beijing to rein in North Korea. But Washington and New Delhi share concerns about China’s rise as a military power.
In advance of the meeting, the Trump administration approved India’s purchase of nearly two dozen unarmed surveillance drones. The deal, estimated to be worth about $2 billion, is still subject to congressional approval.
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