Modi meets US Defence Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

The meeting took place ahead of Modi's crucial meeting with US president Donald Trump.

MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay‏ tweeted:"First engagement of the day. Mr. Jim Mattis, Secretary of Defence calls on PM @narendramodi."

In his another tweet, he said: "Preparing the ground for the meeting between the leaders. Mr. Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State calls on PM @narendramodi."

Modi will  meet  US President Donald Trump for the first time  at the White House on Monday to hold bilateral talks on important strategic issues, especially on security and economy.

According to reports, Modi and Trump, who have earlier spoken thrice  over phone, would be closeted in a a one-to-one meeting for few hours, which is to be  followed by a delegation level talk, a cocktail reception and a working dinner- all going to take place for the first time for a foreign leader inside the White House since Trump assumed Presidency.

A host of strategic issues are expected to be discussed, including the civil nuclear deal, bilateral trade and the activities of  Pakistan-based terror outfits.

Trump, who described Modi as a "true friend," tweeted on Sunday, "Look forward to welcoming India's PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!

Though general expectations about the outcome of the meeting is said to be "modest", experts see in it a great significance with the two leaders getting to know each other with the possibility, of charting their ways of cooperation in different fields.

Images: Gopal Baglay Twitter page