Modi arrives in US to attend Quad leaders' summit, says Indian diaspora has distinguished itself

Washington

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Wednesday on anofficial visit to the US during which he will hold the first face-to-facemeeting with President Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris, attend themaiden in-person Quad summit and address the 76th session of the UN GeneralAssembly in New York.

Modi, who is visiting the US for the 7th time after assuming office in 2014,said his visit would be an occasion to strengthen the Indo-US ComprehensiveGlobal Strategic Partnership and consolidate ties with Japan and Australia.

"Landed in Washington DC. Over the next two days, will be meeting @POTUS@JoeBiden and @VP @KamalaHarris, Prime Ministers @ScottMorrisonMP and@sugawitter. Will attend the Quad meeting and would also interact with leadingCEOs to highlight economic opportunities in India," Modi tweeted. He wasreceived at the airport by senior officials of the Biden Administration andIndia's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

"Namaste USA! PM @narendramodi was greeted on arrival by Shri TaranjitSingh Sandhu, Ambassador of India to USA and Mr. T. H. Brian McKeon, US DeputySecretary of State for Management and Resources," Ministry of ExternalAffairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

Despite heavy rains since early in the morning, a significant number of IndianAmericans were also there at the Andrews Joint Airforce Base to welcome thePrime Minister.

 Modi has commended the Indian Diaspora for distinguishingitself across the world, as he received an enthusiastic welcome from thecommunity on his arrival. Modi was warmly greeted by groups of Indian-Americansat the airport soon after his plane landed here on Wednesday and later at thehotel where he had an interaction with the members of the community.

Grateful to the Indian community in Washington DC for thewarm welcome. Our diaspora is our strength, Modi said in a tweet along with aset of pictures of his interaction with Indian-American CEOs. 

However, due to the current COVID-19 situation, the primeminister is unlikely to have a large gathering or meeting with the diaspora. Modihas been popular among Indian-Americans, who constitute more than 1.2 per centof the country's population. The community is increasingly playing an importantrole, including in American politics.