Post-Grand Welcome, Modi Calls Indo-US Partnership Testimony Of Strong Democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the friendship between India and US will be instrumental in enhancing the strength of the whole world in the post-COVID era. In his address at the ceremonial welcome at the White House in Washington DC this evening, Prime Minister Modi said India and US are committed to working together for global good and peace, stability, and prosperity. He stated that the strong strategic partnership between India and US is clear proof of the power of democracy. He asserted that India and America both take pride in their diversity and believe in the fundamental principle of "In the interest of all, for the welfare of all".
 
Mr Modi said he and US President Joe Biden will discuss regional and global issues in their bilateral talks. He expressed confidence that the talks will be positive. He thanked US President Joe Biden for the warm welcome, his far-sighted speech and his friendship. He said this grand welcome ceremony is a moment of great pride for the 1.4 billion people of India and the 4 million-strong NRI community. He said he visited the US three decades ago and saw the White House from outside. He expressed happiness that for the first time, the gates of the White House have been opened for the Indian-American community in such large numbers. He said people of the Indian community are enhancing India's glory in the US through their hard work and dedication. 
 
In his address, the US President said the relationship between US and India is one of the defining relationships of the 21st Century. He said he is honoured to be the first US President to host Mr Modi as a state guest. Mr Biden said that the challenges and opportunities of the current times require India and the US to work together, which they are. He added that together, both nations are working closely on addressing poverty, tackling climate change and food insecurity. President Biden said that the decisions they make today will determine the future of decades to come. He stated that with Mr Modi's cooperation, QUAD has been strengthened for a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He said that decades from now, people will look back and say that the Quad bent the arc of history for global good. President Biden said the Indian diaspora remains a bridge between the two nations.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweett;p lang="en" dir="ltr">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">@narendramodi</a> arrived in Washington DC a short while ago.<br><br>During the visit, he will hold bilateral meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">@JoeBiden</a>, address the Joint Session of the US Congress and interact with several CEOs and Indian diaspora members. <a href="https://t.co/Cg99LUsiUJ">pic.twitter.com/Cg99LUsiUJ</a></p>&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1671600628752355328?ref_src=twsrc^tfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" data-charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Prime Minister was given a ceremonial welcome at the White House and was welcomed by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on his arrival. National anthems of India and the US were played.
 
A US delegation led by Vice President Kamala Harris assembled at the South Lawns to welcome the Prime Minister. An Indian delegation led by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar was also present on the occasion, including NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu.
 
A huge crowd of Indian Americans gathered on the South Lawns of the White House to greet Prime Minister Modi. An Indian-origin student gave a violin recital on the balcony of the White House while the crowd waited for Prime Minister to arrive. Penn Masala's rendition of the popular song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' also enchanted the crowds.
 
Bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden are currently underway. They will discuss greater economic cooperation between both countries to eliminate the hurdles of building a robust supply chain. In a tweet, Mr Modi said he is looking forward to the talks with the US President. He expressed confidence that the discussions will further strengthen India-US relations.
 
Later tonight, Mr Modi will address a joint sitting of the US Congress. Prime Minister Modi first addressed the US Congress during his visit to the country in 2016. He will be the first Indian Prime Minister and only the third in the world to make such an address twice. The day will conclude with another State Dinner in his honour. The dinner will be attended by esteemed guests including members of the US Congress, diplomats, and other celebrities.
 
Last night, the US President and First Lady Jill Biden hosted Prime Minister Modi for a dinner at the White House.