Narendra Modi arrives in Washington

In Washington, Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Joe Biden and address a joint session of the US Congress.

Modi is visiting the US at the invitation of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. He will join them for the state banquet along with a number of dignitaries on Thursday.

“The Official State visit moves to its next phase. PM @narendramodi accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour as he sets foot at the Joint Base Andrews airport in Washington DC. In Washington DC, PM will hold bilateral meeting with @POTUS @JoeBiden; address the Joint Session of the US Congress; and interact with CEOs and a cross-section of Indian diaspora,” Arindam Bagchi, official spokesperson, ministry of external affairs, said in a tweet.

The Indian prime minister arrived in Washington from New York where he led a historic event at the UN Headquarters earlier in the day to commemorate the 9th International Day of Yoga.

From the airport, Modi travelled to the hotel where Indian diaspora members were waiting for him.

Indian diaspora members braved rain to welcome Modi at Freedom Plaza in Washington.

He briefly interacted with the enthusiastic supporters at the hotel and gave autographs to some of them.

Later, the First Lady and Prime Minister Modi will visit the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia to highlight the US and India’s shared priorities around education and workforce. The First Lady will highlight career-connected learning and workforce training programs and partnerships between high schools, community colleges, and universities with employers.

In his departure statement, Modi had said this “special invitation” from President Biden and the First Lady for a state visit is a reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between the democracies.

(With inputs from PTI)

Updated: 22 Jun 2023, 12:28 AM IST