Modi in US, says talks with Biden to give ties big boost

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome as he arrived here on Tuesday on the first leg of his maiden state visit to the US.

“Landed in New York City. Looking forward to the programmes here including interaction with thought leaders and the Yoga Day programme tomorrow, 21st June,” Modi tweeted.

In a departure statement, he said his talks with US President Joe Biden will “provide an opportunity to consolidate our bilateral cooperation as well as in plurilateral forums such as the G-20, Quad and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)”, adding his US visit will “reinforce our ties based on the shared values of democracy, diversity and freedom”.

Modi said that on Wednesday morning he will “celebrate the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations Headquarters with the UN leadership and members of the international community”. He will travel to Washington later on Wednesday and will hold talks with the US President on Thursday, after which he will address a joint session of the US Congress the same day at the invitation of congressional leaders. Modi said the US Congress has always provided strong bipartisan support to India-US ties. On Wednesday morning  (IST), Modi will meet some “thought leaders” and CEOs, including Twitter owner Elon Musk, reports said.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit, Modi said: “I am travelling to the United States of America on a state visit at the invitation of President Joseph Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. This special invitation is a reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between our democracies. I will commence my visit in New York, where I will celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21 at the United Nations Headquarters with the UN leadership and members of the international community. I look forward to this special celebration at the very location that supported India’s proposal in  December 2014 to recognise an International Day of Yoga.”