PM Modi receives grand ceremonial welcome at White House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome as he arrived at the White House on his maiden pomp-filled state visit on Thursday to hold high-level talks with President Joe Biden, aimed at further boosting the Indo-US strategic relations.

PM Modi was received by US President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the South Lawn of the White House.

A lavish display of the bilateral relationship marked by marching bands and a 21-gun salute to Modi on the South Lawn. The two national anthems were played during the ceremony.

Both the leaders shook hands with dignitaries present there.

Indian-Americans, who gathered at the South Lawn, chanted “USA USA” 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi Modi'.

Biden in his welcome speech described the US-India ties as a defining relationship.

Biden explained in detail the bilateral relationship and why it is important for not only India, the US and the rest of the world as well.

He hailed the contributions of the Indian diaspora and mentioned the large number of Indian-Americans in his administration including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Prime Minister Modi thanked President Biden for the friendship and greeted Indian-Americans filled with enthusiasm.

"The welcome is an honour and pride for the 1.4 billion people of India and for the 4 million Indian-Americans living in the US," the Prime Minister said.

He spoke about the common values of India and the United States.