Let's Work and Lead Together, Biden tells Modi

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden on Thursday said India and the US should work and lead together given the challenges and opportunities facing the world, as he accorded Prime Minister Narendra Modi a grand welcome at the White House.  “The challenges and opportunities facing the world in this century require that India and the United States work and lead together... Two great nations, two great friends, two great powers that can define the course of the 21st century,” he said, describing the ties between the two countries as “one of the most defining” relationships in the 21st century.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response said India and the US are committed to working together for global good and peace, stability and prosperity. He said the societies and institutions of the two countries are based on democratic values. Modi emphasised that the robust people-to-people connections serve as the true driving force behind the India-US relationship.

“Today, India and the US are standing shoulder-to-shoulder, transcending boundaries from the depths of the ocean to the heights of the sky, encompassing ancient culture and embracing artificial intelligence,” Modi said.

Biden earlier accorded a grand welcome to Modi, saying “Welcome back to the White House,” amid cheers from the large Indian-American crowd gathered on the South Lawn of the White House. They noted that their constitutions begin with “We the people”, a nod to their robust democratic spirit.

“This grand welcome ceremony at the White House today is an honour and pride for 1.4 billion people of India. This is also an honour for more than 4 million people of Indian origin living in the US. For this honour, I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Biden and Dr Jill Biden,” Modi said.

He said both countries take pride in their diversity, and "both of us believe in the fundamental principle of 'In the interest of all, for the welfare of all'.

He said about three decades ago, he had come to America as a common man and at that time, he had seen the White House from the outside. "After becoming the Prime Minister, I've come here many times, but today for the first time the doors of the White House have been opened for the Indian-American community in such large numbers," he added.

He said Indian community members are enhancing India's glory in the US through their hard work and dedication.

The two national anthems were played along with a 21-gun salute to the visiting leader. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff were also present at the welcome ceremony. The Prime Minister would also deliver an address to the joint meeting of the US Congress, which would be attended by Congressmen and senators in the presence of several hundred Indian Americans from the visitor's gallery.