US President Joe Biden on Thursday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House ahead of their bilateral talks. During his opening comments, Biden said that the "two proud nations" are bond by the three words, "We The People", adding that the relationship between the US and India is one of most defining relationships in the 21st century. "PM Modi welcome back to the White House. I am honoured to be the first to host you here on a State visit," he said.
As Modi reached White House, he was recieved by Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Modi greeted US Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defence Austin J Lloyd. Meanwhile Joe Biden also met the Indian delegation including external affairs minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
"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," he added.
PM Modi also expressed his gratitude "for the warm welcome." "Thank you for your friendship, President Biden," he said.
"I have visited the White House many times after becoming the PM. This is the first time the gates of the White House have been opened for the Indian-American community in such large numbers," PM Modi said.
"People of the Indian community 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 Dr Jill Biden for giving this honour to them," he added.
Speaking on the bilateral talks that they are scheduled to hold, PM Modi expressed his hope that the talks will be positive.
"In post-Covid era, world order is taking new shape. Our friendship will be instrumental in enhancing strength of whole world," he said.
"India and US are committed to working together for global good and peace, stability and prosperity," Modi said.