Watch | Indian-Americans gather at White House ahead of PM Modi's arrival

Large crowds of the Indian diaspora on Thursday gathered at the South Lawns of the White House under an overcast sky as ceremonial music played ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival for his official welcome.

Officials said anywhere between 2,000-3,000 persons are expected to witness the ceremonial welcome being given to Modi, who is on his first state visit to the US.

A drizzle was no dampener to the enthusiasm of the members of the diaspora, many of whom travelled overnight from different parts of the US, as they waved the flag of the two countries and raised slogans.

Slogans like 'Vande Mataram', 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi' went up the air amid a mood of cheer.

Prime Minister Modi arrived here on Wednesday on the second leg of his maiden state visit to the US during which he will hold bilateral talks with President Joe Biden and address a joint session of the US Congress.