Modi in US Day 3 highlights: ‘Indians are brilliant in every field…not just Spelling Bee,’ says PM

"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

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

“Prime Minister @narendramodi and @POTUS @JoeBiden held bilateral talks at the @WhiteHouse. They reviewed the entire spectrum of India-USA ties and discussed ways to further deepen the partnership,” PMO tweeted. 

A banner welcoming PM Modi on his maiden State visit to the US was displayed at Times Square in New York. The billboard depicted PM Modi standing together with US president Joe Biden, with a scrolling message, "Indian-American community welcomes honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a historic State visit to the USA."

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."

"You have always been a well-wisher of India and have given strength to the importance of the India-US partnership," he added.

US senator Chuck Schumer said New York is fortunate to have an incredibly vibrant, diverse, successful Indian American community.

"Here in New York, we're so fortunate to have an incredibly vibrant and diverse, successful Indian American community that enriches our city and state in so many different ways. People from every part of India and every religion have energized so many communities here," Schumer said.

In a rare gesture, PM Modi has agreed to take questions from reporters at the White House. PM Modi has not conducted a news conference since becoming prime minister nine years ago. 

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Joe Biden will raise his concerns on human rights with PM Modi but avoid lecturing the prime minister. “The question of where politics and the question of democratic institutions go in India is going to be determined within India by Indians. It’s not going to be determined by the United States", he said, adding, "our part is to speak out on behalf of universal values.”

"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.

The societies and institutions of both the US and India are based on democratic values and both countries take pride in their diversity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

PM Modi and US President Joe Biden hold bilateral talks in the Oval Office of the White House

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: PM Modi

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: PM Modi at the White House

India and US partnership are crucial for the world especially after the Covid pandemic as a new world order is getting made, PM Modi says. 

Both India and US are proud of our diversity, PM Modi says at White House.

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: PM Modi

PM Modi recounts the time he had seen the White House from the outside. 

This is an honour for Indians and Indian Americans. I am thankful to Joe Biden and Jill Biden for this honour, PM Modi says. 

I express my gratitude to Joe Biden. Thank you for your friendship, PM Modi says at White House. 

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: US President Joe Biden

PM Modi welcome back to the White House. I am honoured to be the first to host you here on a State visit: US President Joe Biden

The relationship between the US and India is one of most defining relationships in the 21st century: US President Joe Biden

Indian delegation led by EAM Dr S Jaishankar arrives at the White House. NSA Ajit Doval, FS Vinay Kwatra and Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu also present