NEW DAWN FOR INDIA-US TIES

Biden rolls out red carpet for Modi as relationship between two countries rises to next level amid common concerns

- Prashant Jha

In a grand and unprecedented display of the growing strategic partnership and deep people-to-people convergence between India and the US, on the south lawns of the White House packed with 7,000 Indians and Indian-Americans, President Joe Biden accorded a ceremonial state welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and said that the “two great friends and two great powers” will define the 21st century.

Modi reciprocated the feelings, thanking Biden for the warm welcome and for opening the doors of the White House in such large numbers to people of Indian-origin, and expressing conviction that as a new world order takes shape post-Covid, the India-US friendship will be “instrumental” as a force for global good, peace, and stability.

The two leaders expressed their commitment to democratic norms as a shared value. Speaking about leading by the power of example, Biden, in his opening remarks on the lawns, emphasised that the principles of the rule of law, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and diversity of both peoples give depth to a shared future. Modi said that both Indian and American systems and societies are based on shared democratic norms. “Both constitutions begin with ‘We the People’. Both our countries take pride in our diversity. We believe in the fundamental principle of, in the interest of all, for the welfare of all… Our strategic partnership is clear proof of democracy,” the PM said.

Grand symbolism