Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Washington

September 22, 2021

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi waving as he exits the plane bringing him to Washington, D.C. Sept. 22, 2021. Photo Twitter @narendramodi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Washington, D.C. the evening of Sept. 22, 2021, anticipating a full schedule of meetings to discuss global and regional issues as well as push India as an investment opportunity.

The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted several pictures of Modi descending the aircraft welcomed by U.S. officials on a rainy evening, as well as India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

An honor guard and U.S. officials greet Prime Minister Modi as he exits the plane in Washington, D.C. Sept. 22, 2021. Photo Twitter @narendramodi

A U.S. honor guard stood by saluting the leader from India. There was no handshaking, only the Indian namaste gesture to greet each other.

PM Narendra Modi arrived in Washington, D.C. Sept. 22, 2021, where he was met on arrival by India’s Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu and US officials Photo Twitter @PMOIndia

“Prime Minister @narendramodi landed in Washington DC a short while ago. Over the next two days, he would be attending various bilateral and multilateral programmes in the city. He would also be interacting with business leaders,” the PMO noted in a tweet.

The tweet from the Prime Minister @narendramodi, was more detailed. “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 leading CEOs to highlight economic opportunities in India,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

The Prime Minister’s Office also tweeted out another message from Modi saying, “We also need to focus on addressing the pandemic’s economic effects.
To that end, international travel should be made easier, through mutual recognition of vaccine certificates: PM @narendramodi”

Members of the Indian community were also at the airport to greet the Prime Minister. He extended his arm to grasp some outstretched arms as he walked from the airplane to the terminal.

PM Modi meeting members of the community at the airport on his arrival in Washington, D.C. Sept. 22, 2021. Photo Twitter @narendramodi

“Grateful to the Indian community in Washington DC for the warm welcome. Our diaspora is our strength. It is commendable how the Indian diaspora has distinguished itself across the world,” Modi tweeted.

Members of the Indian communtiy meeting the Prime Minister after he landed in Washington, D.C. Sept. 22, 2021. Photo Twitter @narendramodi

Meanwhile some groups have planned a protest for tomorrow, Sept. 23, 2022, in Lafayette Park across from the White House to demonstrate against alleged violations of human rights of minority religions in India.

Prior to his departure from India, Modi said the visit to the U.S. was an opportunity to strengthen U.S.-India ties and consolidate The Quad which includes Japan and Australia.

In his address to the United Nations at the end of his trip, Modi said, would focus on global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, terrorism, and climate change among others.