Honour For 1.4 Billion Indians: PM Modi On Grand Welcome Ceremony At White House

PM Narendra Modi said that the grand welcome extended to him by President Joe Biden was an honour for the 140 crore Indians and the 4 million people of Indian origin in the US.

PM Modi speaks outside the White House.

PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he was extremely happy at the grand welcome he received at the White House, as it was an honour for the 140 crore Indians. "I thank President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for this honour and their warm welcome and their friendship," PM Modi said at the White House's welcome ceremony for him. PM Modi said it was also a matter of great pride for the people of Indian origin living in the US.  

He said that he had gone to the US three decades ago as a common man. "Back then, I saw the White House from the outside. Even after becoming the Prime Minister, I have visited the White House. But this is the first time that its doors have been opened for so many people of the Indian-American community," he said.

He further said that Indians are enhancing India's glory in the US through their hard work and dedication. "You are the real strength of our relationship. I thank President Biden and Jill Biden for extending this honour to them," he said.

PM Modi said that he will hold bilateral talks with US President Biden where the two leaders would discuss regional and global issues. "I am sure that our talks will be positive," he said. "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. India and US are committed to working together for the global good and peace, stability and prosperity," PM Modi further said.

"I will have an opportunity to address US Congress for the second time and I'm deeply grateful for this honour," he said.

PM Modi is later slated to attend a press conference in the US. PM Modi is yet to address a press conference in India since he took over as the head of the government. PM Modi attended a press conference with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2019, but did not take any questions.