PM Modi recalls first time he saw White House from outside

On his first state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted warmly when he arrived at the White House today. He complimented Biden for his cordial welcome

PM Modi recalled his earlier visit to the country and said it is the first time that the doors of the White House have been opened for Indian-Americans in such large numbers.

"Nearly three decades ago, I visited America as a common man. I saw the White House from the outside back then," he said.

He thanked Biden for the warm welcome and said, "This grand welcome ceremony at the White House today is an honour and pride for 1.4 billion people of India.

"After becoming the Prime Minister, I have come here many times. But, this is for the first time, doors have been opened for the Indian community here in such large numbers," PM Modi said amid cheers from the crowd gathered on the South Lawn of the White House.

On the South Lawn of the White House, US President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed PM Modi. Marching bands and a 21-gun salute to Modi were part of a grandiose demonstration of the two countries' ties on the South Lawn.

After the address, Modi and US President Joe Biden headed for bilateral talks at the White House's Oval Office.

In his remarks at the ceremony, PM Modi said he will soon hold talks with Biden and discuss regional and global issues: "I am sure our talks will be positive."

With your cooperation, we have strengthened the QUAD for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Decades from now, people will look back and say that the Quad bent the arc of history for global good,” Biden said.