Modi US visit: 'Cheers! Please join me in raising a toast'- PM attends grand State Dinner | TAKEAWAYS

Congressmen lined up to take autographs and selfies with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his address to the joint sitting of the US Congress, earlier today.

While pressing US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he wishes he could sing for him at the state dinner.

'Now, people in America dance to the song Naatu Naatu ...'- said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the State Dinner at White House.

"You are simple in speech but very strong in action," Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised US President Joe Biden during the State Dinner at White House.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai attended State Dinner at White House. 

Amazing chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden was seen during the State Dinner at the White House.

Industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Anand Mahindra are among the guests who attended the State Dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden for PM Modi at the White House.

The US-India partnership is stronger and more expansive than ever, tweets US President Joe Biden.

US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi head towards the venue for the State dinner at the White House.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrives at the White House for the State dinner.

"It has been wonderful, beyond my wildest dreams. It has grown so strong, this is not just the relationship between two men, or two governments, its really two peoples," says US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti as he enters the White House for the State Dinner.

"He (PM Narendra Modi) had not just one standing ovation, I think he had 8 or 10 standing ovations. I think I lost count... Great rousing speech, it was very popularly received and he came across as very warm and genuine..," says Congressman Rich McCormick.

"It was a fantastic speech talking about the unity between US & India...I think more than anything, he talked about the future...It was a very moving speech, it was great to have all the American Indians in that gallery who were so passionate about this man...," says Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

"...I am very glad to see that we are now selling weapons to India to help her defend herself from aggressive behaviour from communist China or terrorist organisations," he further said.

US Congressmen lined up to take autographs and selfies with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his address to the joint sitting of the US Congress.

When I was here in 2016, I said that our relationship is prime for a momentous future, that future is today, Prime Minister said addressing the joint sitting of the US Congress.

Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and there can be no ifs and buts in dealing with it. We must overcome all such forces sponsoring and exporting terror, PM Modi said.

We must revive multilateralism and reform multilateral institutions with better resources and representation that applies to all our global institutions of governance, especially the UN. When the world has changed, our institutions too must change or risk getting replaced by a world of rivalries without rules. In working for a new world order based on international law, our two countries will be at the forefront as partners, said PM Modi.

In a remarkable feat, 15 standing ovations, 79 applauses marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress.

Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, asks PM Modi for his autograph.

Every Indian PM and American President of the past has taken our relationship further but our generation has the honour of taking it to greater heights. I agree with President Biden that this is a defining partnership because it serves a larger purpose, PM Modi said.

Today, the United States has become one of our most important defence partners. Today, India and the US are working together in space and in the seas, in science and in semiconductors, in startups and sustainability, in tech and in trade, in farming and finance, in art and Artificial Intelligence, said Prime Minister Modi.

"...We became the only G20 country to meet its Paris commitment. We made renewables account for over 40% of our energy sources 9 years ahead of the target of 2030. But we did not stop there. At the Glasgow Summit, I proposed mission LiFE...Our mission is pro-planet progress, pro-planet prosperity, pro-planet people," PM Modi said.

A spirit of democracy, inclusion and sustainability defines us. India grows while being responsible for our planet. The earth is our mother and we are her children. Indian culture deeply respects the environment and our planet, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We live by the motto of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'-the world is one family. Our engagement with the world is for everyone's benefit. The same spirit is also seen in the theme when we chair the G20 Summit, One Earth, One Family, One Future. Last week, all nations joined our proposal at the UN, to build a memorial wall to honour the peacekeepers. This year the whole world is celebrating the International Year of Millets, to promote sustainable agriculture," he added.

"...today in modern India, women are leading us to a better future. India's vision is not just of development that benefits women. It is of women-led development where women lead the journey of progress. A woman has risen from a humble tribal background to be our Head of State...," says PM Modi.

"Our vision is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas'. We are focussing on infrastructure developments. We have given nearly 14 million homes to provide shelter to over 150 million people, which is nearly 6 times the population of Australia," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the joint sitting of the US Congress.

We have over 2,500 political parties. About 20 different parties govern various states of India. We have 22 official languages and thousands of dialects, yet we speak in one voice, says PM Modi during address to US Congress. 

When I first visited the US as a PM, India was the 10th largest economy in the world. Today, India is the 5th largest economy. India will be the 3rd largest economy soon. We are not only growing bigger but we are also growing faster. When India grows the whole world grows, says PM Modi at the joint sitting of the US Congress.

"India is the home to all faiths in the world and we celebrate all of them. In India, diversity is a natural way of life, today the world wants to know more and more about India," said PM Modi as he addresses the joint sitting of the US Congress.

"Last year India celebrated 75 years of independence. Every milestone is important but this one was special. We celebrated a remarkable journey of our 75 years of freedom after thousand years of foreign rule in one form or another. This was not just a celebration of democracy but also of diversity..," says PM Modi.

Democracy is one of our sacred and shared values. Throughout history, one thing has been clear, democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity. Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse. Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression. India is blessed to have such values from time immemorial. India is the mother of democracy, says PM Modi.

The foundation of America was inspired by the vision of a nation of equal people... There are millions here who have roots in India, some of them sit proudly in this chamber and there is one behind me, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I can relate to the battles of patience, persuasion and policy. I can understand the debate of ideas and ideology. But I am delighted to see you come together to celebrate the bonds between two great democracies - India and the United States," PM Modi to US Congress.

In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI - Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there have been even more momentous development in another AI - America and India, said PM Modi during his addressed to the joint sitting of the US Congress.

"Standing here seven Junes ago, when Hamilton swept all the awards, I said that the hesitations of history were behind us. Now, when our era is at a crossroads, I am here to speak about our calling for this century," said PM Modi as he addresses the joint sitting of the US Congress.

Beauty of democracy is constant connect with people, to listen to them, and feel their pulse, said PM Modi during address at US Congress.

PM Modi addresses the joint session of the US Congress.

"It is always a great honour to address the United States Congress. It is an exceptional privilege to do so twice,” said PM Modi.

"It is an exceptional privilege to do so twice. For this honour, I extend my deepest gratitude to the 1.4 billion people of India. I see that nearly half of you were here in 2016. I can also see the enthusiasm of the old friends and the new friends in the other half," said the Prime Minister. 

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks ahead of PM Modi's address to the joint session of the US Congress. 

Members of Indian diaspora seen chanting 'America Loves Modi' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' after PM Modi's ceremonial welcome at the White House.

Members of Indian diaspora seen chanting 'America Loves Modi' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' after PM Modi's ceremonial welcome at the White House.

Members of Indian diaspora seen chanting 'America Loves Modi' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' after PM Modi's ceremonial welcome at the White House.

PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held bilateral discussions in expanded format. Agenda covered a broad range of areas of bilateral cooperation including, trade and investment, defence and security, science & technology, energy, climate action, education, health and people-to-people ties between the two countries, tweets MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the joint sitting of the US Congress shortly.

Members of the Indian diaspora stand outside Capitol Hill, as they await the arrival of PM Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the US Capitol where he will address the joint sitting of the US Congress shortly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India welcomes the setting up of two US consulates in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.

"As far as India is concerned, environment and climate have an essential place in our culture and tradition. Environment is an article of faith for us. We do not believe in the exploitation of nature. India not only works to protect its own environment but also works for protecting the world. We are taking global initiatives for the same. India is the only G20 country in the world that kept the promise it took in Paris to protect the environment," PM Narendra Modi on climate change and India's roadmap.

"We have launched an international solar alliance for the world and today several countries in the world are working with us. We are seeing that due to natural calamities, there is a huge loss to the infrastructure. We care about our future generations, so we are taking a global responsibility to support the world in the crisis of climate change," said PM Modi.

We are a democracy...India & America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit & we live it and it's written in our Constitution... So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it.., said PM Modi when asked about measures the government is willing to take to improve the rights of minorities in the country.

"...We had an incident that caused some confusion but Secretary Blinken had a great trip to China. I expect to be meeting Chinese President Xi sometime in the future," US President Joe Biden on relation with China.

Our economic relationship is booming. Trade between our countries has almost doubled over the past decade to more than $191 billion supporting tens of thousands of good jobs in both India and the United States. One million American jobs across 44 states will be supported by the purchase of more than 200 American-made Boeing aircraft that Air Indian is announcing earlier this year and with this visit, Indian firms are announcing more than $2 billion in new investments in manufacturing solar in Colorado, steel in Ohio, and optic fiber in South Carolina, said US President Joe Biden. 

"We have agreed to join the Artemis Accords. We have taken a long leap in our space cooperation," said PM Narendra Modi in joint statement after bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.

We are doubling down on our cooperation to secure our semiconductor supply chains, and growing our major defence partnership with more joint exercises, more cooperation between our defence industries, and more consultation and coordination across all domains, said US President Joe Biden during the joint statement.

Addressing a joint presser with US President Joe Biden after bilateral meeting, PM Modi while responding to a reporter's question on democracy said that India doesn’t discriminate on basis of religion, caste.

Today holds a special importance in the history of India-US relations. With the discussions and important decisions taken today, a new chapter has been added to our comprehensive global strategic partnership. This has given a new direction and new energy, says PM Modi in Washington, DC after bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.

The partnership is among the most consequential in the world that is stronger, closer and more dynamic in any time in history, US President Joe Biden issues joint press statement with PM Narendra Modi after bilateral meeting at the Oval office. 

Washington, DC | US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a joint press statement soon. They held a bilateral meeting at The Oval Office of the White House earlier today.

Bilateral meeting between PM Modi and US President Joe Biden underway at the White House. The Indian delegation includes External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and other top diplomats.

Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce part of the US contingent.

LED screens at New York's Times Square welcoming PM Modi put up at the iconic site.

I am excited to meet the man, says Congressman Rich McCormick as PM Modi is scheduled to address a joint sitting of the US Congress today.

The gifts PM Modi presented to US President Biden and Dr Jill Biden signify India's potential and economic diversity, said Union Minister Smriti Irani on PM Modi's ongoing State visit to the US.

In a welcome address, US President Joe Biden termed the India-US ties as one of the "most defining relationships of the 21st century". READ MORE

At the bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden says, "...Over the past 10 years, the small steps have transformed into a large progress. Today the partnership between our countries is stronger than it has ever been."

"I express my gratitude towards you for opening the doors of the White House for the Indian-American diaspora," said PM Modi.

"We are cooperating on a whole range of areas including space, marine technology and green technology," US President Joe Biden said. 

At the bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden says, "...Thank you Prime Minister for your decision to host the G20 this year...I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen our partnership..."

India & US are walking shoulder to shoulder in every area - be it the depths of the ocean to space, from ancient culture to artificial intelligence, said PM Modi at the White House. 

Washington, DC | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden shake hands as the two leaders hold a bilateral meeting at the Oval Office of the White House.

PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden make opening statements ahead of holding bilateral talks, in the White House.

PM Modi, US President Joe Biden hold bilatral talks at the Oval office of the White House, after Prime Minister received a grand ceremonial welcome.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden and First Lady of the United States Jill Biden entered the White House after they conclude their statements at the South Lawns there.

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 & US are committed to working together for the global good and peace, stability and prosperity, said PM Modi.

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, said PM Modi.

In a short while from now, me and President Joe Biden will discuss India-US bilateral relations, says PM Modi. 

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, said PM Modi.

"This grand welcome ceremony at the White House today is an honour for 1.4 billion Indians," says PM Modi at the White House.

"Thank you President Biden for your friendship," said PM Modi in his address at the ceremonial welcome at the White House.

"Together India and US are working closely in expanding healthcare, climate change and issues arising out of Russia's aggression on Ukraine," said US President as he welcomes PM Modi at the White House.

With India's cooperation, we have strengthened QUAD for free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, said President Biden.

US President Joe Biden said, "I am honoured to be first to host you here on a State visit."

US President Joe Biden said that the relationship between the US and India is one of most defining relationships in the 21st century.

"Two proud nations bond by the three words - "We The People"," said US President Joe Biden as he welcomes PM Modi at the White House.

National anthems of India and US were played during PM Modi's ceremonial welcome at the White House.

Prime Minister Modi arrives at White House on maiden state visit to hold talks with President Joe Biden.

Indian delegation led by EAM Dr S Jaishankar arrives at the White House. 

Ahead of the bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden PM, Narendra Modi tweets "Looking forward to today’s talks with US President Joe Biden & First Lady Jill Biden. I am confident our discussions will further strengthen India-USA relations."

President Joe Biden welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to White House.

 Indian Americans raise pro-Modi slogans as they gather at White House South Lawn to welcome the Indian PM.

"Keep doing what you (PM Modi) are doing. You are making us proud," said one of the members of the Indian diaspora at the White House South Lawn ahead of PM Modi's arrival. 

Penn Masala's rendition of the popular song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' enchants crowds gathered at the White House for PM Modi's arrival.

Crowd of Indian-American diaspora on South Lawns of the White House gets big, ahead of PM Modi's arrival. 

PM Modi to arrive at the White House to hold one-on-one meeting with US President Joe Biden to further boost India-US strategic ties, today. 

WATCH | Members of the Indian community and other guests gather at the White House lawns to welcome PM Modi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanks US President Joe Biden for his hospitality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a private dinner at the White House in Washington.

As the official gift, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will present PM Modi with a handmade, antique American book galley from the early 20th Century. President Biden will also gift PM Modi a vintage American camera, accompanied by an archival facsimile print of George Eastman’s Patent of the first Kodak camera, and a hardcover book of American wildlife photography. Jill Biden will gift PM Modi a signed, first edition copy of 'Collected Poems of Robert Frost': The White House

PM Narendra Modi gifts a lab-grown 7.5-carat green diamond to US First Lady Dr Jill Biden. The diamond reflects earth-mined diamonds’ chemical and optical properties. It is also eco-friendly, as eco-diversified resources like solar and wind power were used in its making.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diner menu at the White House's South Lawn includes Marinated millet, corn kernel salad and stuffed mushrooms. Around 400 guests were invited to the State dinner being hosted for 

First Lady Jill Biden. The first lady asked Chef Nina Curtis - who specialises in plant-based cuisine - to work with the White House staff and create a stunning vegetarian menu for Prime Minister Modi, who is a devout vegetarian.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House in Washington DC and exchanged gifts with them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanges special gifts with President of the United States Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at The White House, in Washington, DC.

"We can think of starting an India-US teachers' exchange programme. To increase the engagement of scientists & entrepreneurs across the world with Indian institutions, we started GIAN - Global Initiative of Academic Networks - in 2015. I am delighted to tell you that under this, 750 faculty members from the US have come to India," said PM Modi at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia in the US earlier today.

Washington, DC: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets H. Lawrence Culp Jr, Chairman and CEO, General Electic and CEO, General Electic Aerospace.

 To maintain the momentum of growth, a "pipeline of talent" is needed for India and the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at an event here to highlight the two nations' shared priorities around education and workforce.

He was participating in the 'Skilling For Future Event' organised by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on Wednesday and his visit to the organisation was hosted by First Lady Jill Biden. The prime minister also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by India to promote education, research and entrepreneurship. "I am really happy to have got an opportunity to interact with young and creative minds here. India is working on several projects in collaboration with the NSF. I thank First Lady Jill Biden for planning and organising this event," Modi said.

Explaining the skilling mission of his government, Modi said for the bright future of youngsters, it is important to have education, skill and innovation, and India has worked in this direction. The National Education Policy (NEP), education and skilling have been integrated.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden on Wednesday received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. They exchanged pleasantries and posed for photos before entering the building. 

The president, the first lady and the prime minister gathered for an intimate dinner and enjoyed a musical tribute to the regions of India, according to the White House. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Deputy Chief of Protocol Aseem Vohra were seen entering the White House. The White House also said that as the official gift, the president and first lady will present Prime Minister Modi with a handmade, antique American book galley from the early 20th Century.