US Embassy Memo Notes Positive Indian Social Media Reaction to Modi’s Washington Visit
Washington — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic outreach, defense agreements and relationship with President Donald Trump drew favorable reactions from some Indian social media users during his February 2025 visit to Washington, according to a recently released U.S. State Department document.
The internal U.S. Embassy assessment, dated Feb. 18, 2025, examined public discussion in India on X following Modi’s trip and identified both positive and negative narratives surrounding his engagement with the Trump administration.
The document, released by the State Department in July under the Freedom of Information Act, is classified as “unclassified.” The names of officials involved in preparing the assessment were redacted.
“PM Modi was praised in certain circles for his diplomatic outreach, especially when it came to trade negotiations and defense agreements that were seen as positive outcomes,” the assessment said.
It also noted favorable reactions to Trump describing Modi as a “tough negotiator,” saying the characterization reinforced perceptions among supporters that the prime minister was forcefully representing India’s interests.
Modi’s personal relationship with Trump was another recurring positive theme identified in the embassy’s review of social media discussions.
“The relationship between PM Modi and President Trump was also viewed in a positive aspect by many,” the assessment said.
The document cited Modi’s meeting with Elon Musk, his interactions with Indian Americans and his appearance with Trump at an open press conference as examples of personal diplomacy that received favorable attention.
“These moments resonated with users who saw PM Modi as effectively putting India’s interests forward on the global stage,” the assessment said.
The embassy also noted social media discussion surrounding Modi’s stay at Blair House, the official U.S. presidential guest house located across from the White House. Some users interpreted the accommodation as a sign of the importance Washington placed on the Indian leader’s visit.
The discussions included comparisons with former Indian prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who also stayed at Blair House during visits to Washington.
Another initiative that received positive attention was the U.S.-India Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology, or COMPACT, initiative.
According to the embassy assessment, supporters welcomed the initiative’s emphasis on defense co-production and what the document described as the “mutually beneficial advancement of military technology on Indian soil.”
Modi met Trump at the White House on Feb. 13, 2025, during his first U.S. visit after Trump returned to the presidency. (Source: IANS)
