Modi in US LIVE Updates: PM Modi Raises Toast to Joe, Jill Biden at State Dinner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in US: Catch all live updates here.
PM Narendra Modi in US LIVE Updates
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PM Narendra Modi US Visit 2023 Live News Updates: After a crucial one-on-one bilateral discussion and press conference with United States President Joe Biden, and a speech to a joint sitting of the US Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a State Dinner held at the White House, his final engagement of the day.
The guest list for the State Dinner included India's billionaire couple Mukesh and Nita Ambani, former Chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and close to 100 other public figures.
The speech was followed by a Congressional reception. Here are the full highlights of Modi's second address to the US Congress.
Fostering Democracy: Acknowledging President Biden's belief that theirs is a defining partnership of this century, Modi emphasized that their alliance serves a larger purpose. He stated, "Democracy, demography, and destiny give us that purpose."
Ukraine War & Terrorism: Modi commented on global conflicts, appearing to hint at Russia's invasion of Ukraine, said, "This is not an era of war but it is one of dialogue and diplomacy and we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering."
Uniting Cultures & Indian Community: PM Modi also highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora in US and said, "There are millions here who have roots in India, some of them sit proudly in this chamber and there is one behind me," referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Women Empowerment: PM Modi specifically acknowledged the remarkable achievements of women and shared an inspiring story about President of India, Draupadi Murmu, who transcended a humble tribal background to assume the esteemed position of Head of State.
Sustainable Development: PM Modi highlighted significant initiatives, underlining India's dedication, including the fulfillment of India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
Fostering Collaboration: Modi further emphasised on the collaborative efforts between India and the US in diverse fields, including space exploration, maritime cooperation, scientific research, semiconductor technology, startup innovation, sustainability initiatives, technology development, trade, agriculture, finance, art, and artificial intelligence.
President Biden and PM Modi had previously addressed a press conference and took questions at the White House, where Biden said, "PM and I had a good discussion regarding democratic values."
Click here to read the full highlights of the Modi-Biden press conference.
Earlier during PM Modi had received a ceremonial welcome at the White House with a 19-gun-salute. Subsequently, Modi and Biden entered the White House for a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office before a high-level bilateral dialogue, alongside their respective delegations, got underway.
Here are glimpses of the day so far:
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Schedule of PM Modi Today
PM Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House ahead of the bilateral meetings. PM Modi and President Biden are scheduled to address a joint press conference after the meetings .
He will then address a Joint Session of the US Congress before the official State Dinner in honour of PM Modi at the White House.
GE Signs Key Deal With HAL
Ahead of the strategic meet, General Electric's (GE) aerospace arm announced the signing of a deal with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to make fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force in India.
PM Modi had earlier met GE chairman H Lawrence Culp Jr in Washington.
Key Personalities PM Modi Met Ahead of Bilateral Meet with Biden
Sanjay Mehrotra, President and CEO of MicronTech
H Lawrence Culp, Jr, CEO of General Electric
Gary Dickerson, CEO of Applied Materials
PM Modi Thanks Joe & Jill Biden for Their Hospitality
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter on Thursday, 22 June, to thank US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden for their hospitality. Modi had met the US President and First Lady at the White House on Wednesday, 21 June.
Members of Indian Community Gather Outside White House
Members of the Indian community gathered outside the White House lawns to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.
'Confident Our Talks Will Strengthen India-US Ties': PM Modi
Kamala Harris To Receive PM Modi
A US delegation led by Vice-President Kamala Harris has reached the South Lawns of the White House to receive and welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives at White House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with a Guard of Honour and a 19-gun-salute at the White House after he arrived for a crucial one-on-one with President.
National anthems of India and the US were played at the White House in the presence of Modi and Biden.
'Welcome Back to the White House': US President Biden Receives PM Modi
Speaking outside the White House after receiving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden said, "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," Biden added.
Biden added, "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."
‘Came to US As Ordinary Citizen 30 Years Ago’: PM Modi
Speaking outside the White House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "30 years ago I came to the US as an ordinary citizen and saw the White House from outside."
"After becoming the PM, I have visited the White House many times. This is the first time the gates of the White House have been opened for the Indian-American community in such large numbers," he added.
"US President Biden and I will hold bilateral talks in a short while now and discuss regional and global issues. I am sure that our talks will be positive," Modi added.
"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 and the US are committed to working together for the global good and peace, stability and prosperity," PM Modi said.
Modi and Biden Enter Oval Office to Hold One-on-One Talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden and First Lady of the United States Jill Biden entered the White House after they concluded their statements at the South Lawns in Washington DC.
Modi and Biden are holding a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office before a high-level bilateral dialogue, alongside their respective delegations.
'Thank You for Decision to Host G20': Biden Tells PM Modi
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."
'Excited to Meet the Man': Republican Congressman Ahead of Modi's Address
"I am excited to meet the man," said Republican Congressman Rich McCormick a ahead of PM Modi's scheduled to address a joint sitting of the US Congress today.
Glimpses: Diaspora Members Celebrate As Modi Meets Biden at White House
Press Remarks to Begin Shortly
President Biden and PM Modi are expected to deliver remarks and take questions from the press shortly.
Top Points From Modi-Biden Bilateral Talks
Inside the Oval Office with President Biden, PM Modi said, "I express my gratitude for the grand welcome and for opening the doors of the White House for people from the Indian diaspora. They are in huge numbers here to witness the future course of India-US relations."
He added that India and US are walking together in several sectors like ocean, space and artificial intelligence and said, "You have always been a well-wisher of India and have given strength to the importance of the India-US partnership," he added.
Bilateral Meet with Delegations Begin
The bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden got underway at the White House.
The delegation from Indian includes External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top diplomats.
Meanwhile, the US contingent involves Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce.
'White House Radiates with Success of Modi Diplomacy Doctrine': Home Minister Amit Shah
As Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with US President Joe Biden, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted "A grand welcome to PM Narendra Modi at the White House radiates with the success of Modi doctrine in diplomacy
"A people's leader at home and a charismatic statesman on the global stage, the accolades bestowed upon Modi Ji are a source of pride for every Indian," he added.
‘Most Consequential Partnership in the World’: Biden Says As Press Conference Begins
As press statements and remarks by US President Joe Biden and PM Narendra Modi began, Biden said, "The partnership is among the most consequential in the world that is stronger, closer and more dynamic in any time in history."
"Our economic relationship is booming trade between both countries has doubled in past decade...Indians and Americans are both people who, in a way, turn obstacles into opportunities," Biden added.
Modi Addresses Press Conference
"First of all, I thank President Biden for his warm words and his views over India-America relations," PM Modi said, addressing a joint press briefing with US President Joe Biden, at the White House.
"I met CEOs here and I saw their enthusiasm towards India. In global uncertainty, India and US are trusted partners. GE engine deal is landmark. This deal will creat jobs and create defence cooperation and startups from the nations are important partners," PM Modi added.
Biden Shurgs Off Xi Jinping 'Dictator' Critique
US President Biden shrugged off Chinese complaints about his use of the word “dictator” to describe President Xi Jinping and said that he was simply speaking the "facts."
"I don’t think it’s had any real consequence," he added
"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," he said.
Biden Addresses Claims of Overlooked Human Rights Violations
President Biden was asked about criticisms, that too from his own party. about overlooking human rights violations in India, including the targeting of religious minorities and clamp down on dissent.
Biden said:
Modi Questioned Regarding Human Rights & Democracy in India
When questioned regarding claims of targeting minorities in India and human rights violations in India, Modi said "We have proved democracy can deliver. If there are no human values, no human rights, no humanity, it's not a democracy.
"When we live in a democracy, there's no place for discrimination. In India, there is no discrimination on the basis of caste, age, religion," Modi told reporters in the White House.
"India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it," Modi said.
Biden also mentioned press freedom in his opening statement and said that both countries “cherish freedom and celebrate the democratic values of universal human rights which face challenges around the world and in each of our countries.”
The Agreements That India and US Finalised
India will to join the Artemis Accords, which brings like-minded countries together on civil space exploration, the White House said on Thursday.
NASA and ISRO have reportedly agreed to a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024 with a plan to come up with a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation.
Micron Technology announced an investment of over USD 800 million with support from the Indian National Semiconductor Mission for a semiconductor assembly and test facility in India.
US Applied Materials announced the new semiconductor centre for commersialisation and innovation in India and Lamb Research.
Ahead of the strategic meet, General Electric's (GE) aerospace arm announced the signing of a deal with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to make fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force in India.
Modi and Biden Address Media Regarding Economic Ties
During the press conference, both US President Joe Biden and PM Narendra Modi laid significant importance on economic ties. Laying out their discussions, PM Modi said that trade between the two countries has almost doubled over the decade, "supporting tens of thousands of good jobs in both India and the United States."
US Congress Prepares for Modi's Address
The US Congress is making last minute preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address, which will begin shortly.
The address will be followed by a Congressional reception, before Modi is whisked away to the official State dinner hosted by the president and first lady. The event, which will be attended by hundreds, has a guest list that comprises members of Congress, diplomats, celebrities and prominent Indian Americans.
Kevin McCarthy Welcomes PM Modi
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his second address to the United States Congress, a first for any Indian, at the invitation of Congress members.
PM Modi Enters US Congress and Begins Historic Address
Amid chants of "Modi, Modi," PM Narendra Modi entered the US Congress and stepped up to the podium for his second address which will begin shortly.
"Ladies and Gentleman, Namaskar. It is always an honour to address the US Congress. It is an exceptional privilege to do so twice. For this honour, I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India," Modi said.
"Half of you were here during 2016. I feel your bond as old friends. I can also see the enthusiasm of new friends in the other half," he added.
‘Seven Junes Ago, When Hamilton Swept All the Awards…’: PM Modi Recalls 2016 Address
"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," PM Modi tells the US Congress during his address.
"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," Modi added.
‘Millions Here Have Roots in India, One Is Behind Me’: Modi Refers to VP Kamala Harris
Speaking to a joint sitting of the US Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "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," referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Indian PM further said:
"I am told that the 'samosa caucas' is now the flavour of the House. I hope it brings full diversity of India culture here," Modi added.
‘India Is Mother of Democracy’: PM Modi Tells US Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a joint sitting of the US Congress, said that Democracy is one of India's sacred values and added that it is democracy that supports quality and dignity, and 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," he added.
Modi further said:
‘World Wants To Know More and More About India’: PM Modi
"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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, while addressing a joint session of the US Congress.
‘India Grows, Whole World Grows’: PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi remembered his first visit to the US as the Indian PM and told the 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," he added.
‘Honour of Taking Relationships to Greater Heights’: PM Modi
"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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
The Indian PM said:
He further spoke of radical elements and terrorism and said, "Two decades after 9/11 and a decade after 26/11 in Mumbai, radicalism and terrorism still remain pressing danger for whole world."
"Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and there can be no ifs or buts in dealing with it," Modi added.
'Not an Era of War': PM Modi on Global Conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "This is not an era of war but it is one of dialogue and diplomacy and we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering."
"The stability of the Indo-Pacific region has become one of the central concerns of our partnership. We share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," he added.
‘God Bless US-India Friendship’: Modi Concludes Congress Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his address to a joint session of the United States Congress and said, "God bless America. Jai hind. God bless US-India friendship."
The speech is to be followed by a Congressional reception, before Modi is whisked away to the official State dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
Modi Signs Autographs, Clicks Selfies
Visuals from inside the US Congress showed lawmakers swarming around the Indian PM to greet Narendra Modi, click selfies with him and to receive his autograph as well.
News agency ANI reported that PM Modi received 15 standing ovations and 79 applauses during his address to the joint session of the US Congress.
US Congress Members React to Modi's 'Fantastic' Address
Republican Congress member and former Chair of India Caucus Joe Wilson, who attended PM Narendra Modi's US Congress address, said, "The speech was so inspiring. It is very exciting to see the relationship between India and the US, the world's largest and oldest democracies working together.
"The Indian-American community is beloved and successful," Wilson added.
Fellow Republican Congress member and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Michael McCaul also spoke of Modi's address and said:
"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 added.
Republican Congressman Rich McCormick said, "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."
Mukesh, Nita Ambani Arrive at White House
Indian billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani arrived at the White House for the State Dinner hosted in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indra Nooyi, former Chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo also arrived.
Meanwhile, guests began entering the White House for the dinner
Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath, Adobe’s CEO Shantanu Narayen Arrive
Zerodha Co-Founder Nikhil Kamath and Adobe’s CEO Shantanu Narayenarrived at the White House for a State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
State Secretary Anthony Blinken Enters White House
United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived at the White House for the State dinner hosted for PM Narendra Modi. Blinken was part of the delegation, led by Biden, that held a bilateral discussion with Modi earlier today.
PM Modi Welcomed to White House by Bidens
Prime Minster Narendra Modi was warmly received by President Joe Biden and First Lay Jill Biden upon his arrival at the White House.
Google's Sundar Pichai Arrives
Google CEO Sundar Pichai and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo arrived at the White House for the State dinner hosted for PM Narendra Modi.
Modi Accorded Ceremonial Welcome
PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Grand Staircase ahead of the State dinner at the White House. Modi entered alongside President Joe Biden and First Lay Jill Biden
'Stronger, More Expansive than Ever': Biden on US-India Ties
President Joe Biden tweeted and said, "The US-India partnership is stronger and more expansive than ever. At the root of that partnership is a deep connection between our people – ties of family, friendship, and shared values."
"Together, the United States and India – the world's oldest and largest democracies – are a combined force for global good," Biden added.
‘Had a Wonderful Time With the PM’: President Joe Biden
During the official State dinner, US President Joe Biden said, "Jill and I have had a wonderful time with the Prime Minster today, during your truly productive visit."
"Tonight we celebrate the great bonds of friendship between India and the United States," Modi said.
PM Modi Thanks Joe, Jill Biden at State Dinner
During the official State dinner at the White House, PM Narendra Modi said, "I want to thank US President Joe Biden for this wonderful dinner today. I would also like to thank First Lady Jill Biden for taking care of my visit to make it successful."
The Indian PM added, "Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America's Melting Pot."
PM Modi Raises Toast to Joe, Jill Biden
During the State dinner at the White House, PM Modi raised a toast towards his hosts, and said, "Please join me in raising a toast. A toast to our wonderful hosts, President Biden and Jill Biden."
"A toast to good health, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, liberty, equality and to the ever-lasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States," Modi added.