Modi, Biden vow to deepen India-US ties, work for global good

US and India set to announce flurry of deals spanning defense, chips and AI

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra began a historic state visit to the United States at the Invitation of President Joe Biden, the two leaders vowed to strengthen their relationship and work together for global good.

“Thank you for your friendship, President Biden,” said Modi addressing a large crowd of Indian Americans after receiving a grand official welcome with a 19 gun salute at the White House Thursday.

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“The grand and warm welcome I have received at the White House is a matter of respect and pride for 140 crore (1.4 billion) Indians,” said Modi.

“We (India and US) take pride in our diversity, both of us believe in fundamental principle of interests of all and welfare of all,” he said.

“President Biden and I will discuss India-US relations in some time. I am confident that our talks will be positive and useful as always,” Modi said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi tweeted, saying he was looking forward to “today’s talks with US President Joe Biden. I am confident our discussions will further strengthen India-USA relations.”

“In the post-Covid era, the world order is taking a new shape. In this time period, the friendship between India and US will be instrumental in enhancing the strength of the whole world,” said Modi. “India and the US are committed to working together for global good and peace, stability and prosperity.”

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He praised the Indian community members who “are enhancing India’s glory in US through their hard work and dedication.”

“You (Indian community) are the real strength of our relationship. I thank President Biden and Dr Jill Biden for giving this honour to them,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister said he first saw the White House from the outside 30 years ago as a common man. “I have visited the White House many times after becoming the PM,” he said. “But This is the first time the gates of the White House have been opened for the Indian American community in such large numbers.”

“I will have an opportunity to address US Congress for second time. I’m deeply grateful for this honor,” Modi said. “I, along with the 1.4 billion people of India wish that India’s tricolour and America’s stars and stripes keep flying higher and higher.”

Earlier, welcoming Modi, President Biden said, “Welcome to White House Mr Prime Minister. PM Modi welcome back to the White House. I am honoured to be the first to host you here on a state visit.”

“I have long believed that the relationship between the US and India will be one of the most defining relationships of the 21st century,” he said.

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“Equity under the law, freedom of expression, religious pluralism and diversity of our people are the core principles that have endured and evolved, even as they faced challenges, throughout our nation’s histories.”

“India and US are working closely on eliminating poverty, expanding access to healthcare, addressing climate change and tackling food and energy insecurity triggered by the Russian war on Ukraine,” Biden said.

“With your cooperation, we have strengthened the Quad (also comprising Australia and Japan) for a free, open, secure and’ prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he said. “Decades from now, people will look back and say that the Quad bent the arc of history for global good.”

After the welcome ceremony, Modi and Biden went into the White House for bilateral talks at the Oval Office. Modi told Biden, “the real engine of India-us relationship is the people-to-people relation.”

Indian delegation includes External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu.

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Modi will address a joint session of Congress later Thursday and be feted by President Biden and the first lady during a state dinner at the White House.

He is only the third world leader to be welcomed with a lavish state visit by the Biden administration.

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