Modi-Biden press conference: Joe Biden says democracy is in DNA of USA & India

Praising the Indian community in the US, President Joe Biden on Thursday mentioned the contributions of Americans of Indian heritage in his administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, whose success stories define the relationship and the limitless possibilities between the two nations.

Biden's remarks came as he welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the White House on his first state visit.

"I see it in the Indian-American diaspora that reflects every part of American life and remains a bridge between our nations and only grows stronger with each generation," he said.

"We see it with record numbers of Indian Americans serving in the United States Congress. We see it here at the White House where proud Americans of Indian heritage serve our country every day, including our vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris," Biden said.

A record 150-plus Indian-Americans serve in key positions in the Biden administration.

"The granddaughter -- the proud granddaughter of an Indian civil servant; daughter of an Indian student, turned American scientist who came to the United States when she was only 19 years old to pursue her dream of curing cancer. A family like so many of ours in our nation. That speaks to the thousand stories of determination courage and hope in America," he said.

"Stories that define the relationship and the limitless possibilities between the United States and India. Two great nations, two great friends, two great powers that can define the course of the 21st century," he added.

Harris, 58, was born in Oakland, California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica.

Prime Minister Modi also praised the Indian diaspora and said the grand welcome accorded to him at the White House was an honour and pride for 1.4 billion people of India and more than 4 million people of Indian origin living in the US.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for the welcome and said he had come to visit the US three decades ago as a common man.

"At that time I had seen the White House from outside," he said.

Modi said after becoming the Prime Minister, he visited the US many times, "but today for the first time the doors of the White House have been opened for the Indian American community in such large numbers." "The people of the Indian community are enhancing India's glory in the US through their talent, hard work and dedication. You are the real strength of our relationship," Modi said.