Modi U.S. Visit Live: We Do Not Discriminate, Democracy Is Our Spirit, Says Modi On Human Rights

"The PM and I had good discussion on democratic values. Our relationship is such that we are straightforward. We have democracy, diversity and tolerance. This makes us partners and expand democratic institutions around the world," Biden said.

The prime minister, with President Biden by his side, highlighted the soaring heights of India-U.S. relations saying, "Sky is the not the limit."

"This day has huge significance in India-U.S. relations. This is a new chapter, direction and energy to our comprehensive partnership," said PM Modi.

"I met CEOs here and I saw their enthusiasm towards India. In global uncertainty, India and U.S. are trusted partners. The GE engine deal is landmark. This deal will create jobs and create defence cooperation and startups from the nations are important partners."

The PM said that environment and climate have an essential place in India's culture and tradition.

"We do not believe in the exploitation of nature. India not only works to protect its own environment but also works for protecting the world. We are taking global initiatives for the same. India is the only G20 country in the world that kept the promise it took in Paris to protect the environment," PM Modi said.

On this, President Biden responded saying, "I think it is existential threat to humanity."

"We had an incident that caused some confusion but Secretary (Antony) Blinken had a great trip to China. I expect to be meeting with Chinese President Xi sometime in the near term," the President said.

"Trade ties between India and U.S. are important for the world as well. We have decided to set aside trade frictions. Futuristic ties will be on AI, semiconductors, space. Leaving behind buyer seller relationship between India & the U.S," PM Modi said.

"People have suffered due to war in Ukraine as well as Covid-19. India has always encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to solve conflict in Ukraine. India is willing to support any effort to establish peace in the Ukraine conflict," the PM said.

"Global South Countries were especially affected by Covid pandemic and Ukraine crisis. It's our opinion that all countries must unite to solve these issues. Since the beginning of the situation in Ukraine, India stressed on solving the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy," says Modi.

"India is democratic and its in our spirit. Our government works as per democratic and constitutional values,” Modi said answering a question on concerns of human rights groups that his government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence critics.

“We do not discriminate. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' is our guiding principal,” Modi said. “Development is accessible to all.”

President Biden says the U.S. and India are building regional connection with Middle East through I2U2, G20's agenda, multilateral development bank reforms, debt relief and building critical health systems

"India-U.S. relationship is not only important for both the nations but also for the world," says PM Modi at the press conference. "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and US has entered a new level after today's talks with President Biden."

Biden said India and the U.S. are together locked in a shared future with "unlimited potential". He highlighted the Indo-U.S. collaboration on space flight to send an astronaut to international space centre in 2024 and doubling down on cooperation to secure semiconductors supply.

The president noted Air India's decision to purchase aircraft from Boeing to support a million jobs and Indian firms announcing more $2 billion in investments in the U.S.

"Today, we also talked about our shared efforts to mitigate humanitarian tragedies unleashed by Russia's brutal war in Ukraine, and to defend the core principles of UN charter sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Biden.

He further said, "This day holds a special significance in the history of India and U.S. bilateral relations. Our discussion today and important decisions taken today have added a new chapter in our comprehensive global strategic partnership."

Bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Joe Biden underway at the White House. The Indian delegation includes External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top diplomats. Antony Blinken, secretary of state, Lloyd Austin, secretary of defense, Gina Raimondo, secretary of commerce part of the U.S. contingent, reports PTI.

The two leaders will issue their statements and take questions from the media after their bilateral discussions. The press briefing will happen at the White House shortly.

The two countries are strengthening their already close relations to progress on new avenues and opportunities.

"Today, India and the U.S. are walking shoulder to shoulder in every fields- from the depths of the ocean to the heights of the skies, from ancient culture to artificial intelligence," said PM Modi.

"You have always been a well-wisher of India, and whenever there's been an opportunity, you have always strengthened India-U.S. bilateral relations. I remember, that 8 years ago, while addressing U.S.-India business council, you said 'our goal is to become India's best friend.' Your words are still ringing. Your personal commitment towards India is inspiring us to take many bold and ambitious steps," PM Modi to Biden.

"I thank you Prime Minister for your decision to host the G20 this year. I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen our partnership and build a future together worthy of both our peoples, one grounded on democracy, human rights, and freedom," said Biden.

"The real engine of India-U.S. relationship is the people-to-people relation," says PM Modi. He furthers says, "India and U.S. are walking shoulder to shoulder in every area- be it the depths of the ocean to space, from ancient culture to artificial intelligence."

“Equity under the law, freedom of expression, religious pluralism, and diversity of our people are the core principles that have endured and evolved, even as they faced challenges, throughout our nation's histories,” says President Joe Biden at the White House.

"I express my gratitude towards you for opening the doors of the White House for the Indian-American diaspora," PM Modi tells President Joe Biden in the Oval Office.

Biden said, "Over the past 10 years, the small steps have transformed into a large progress. Today the partnership between our countries is stronger than it has ever been."

"President Biden and I will discuss India-U.S. relations in some time. I am confident that our talks will be positive and useful as always," says PM Modi.

"People of the Indian community are enhancing India's glory in the U.S. 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," the PM said.

The U.S. is set to introduce in-country renewable H-1B visas, a significant decision that would help thousands of Indian professionals staying in the country to continue with their jobs without the hassle of travelling overseas for the renewal of their work visas, PTI reported.

Applied Material will set up an engineering center in Bengaluru focused on development and commercialization of technologies for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The investment will be of $400 million over four years.

PM Modi met the company's chief Gary E. Dickerson in Washington earlier in the day.

The American space agency NASA and India's ISRO have agreed to a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024 under the Artemis Accords, the White House said after the Modi-Biden meeting.

The official said that NASA and the ISRO are developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation this year.

In another big-ticket investment, U.S. semiconductor major Micron Technology, has announced plans to build a new assembly and test facility in Gujarat, India. Micron’s new facility will enable assembly and test manufacturing for both DRAM and NAND products and address demand from domestic and international markets.

The plant will come up at Gujarat's Sanand Industrial Park near Ahmedabad with an investment of Rs 6,760 crore over the two phases of the project.

PM Modi had met Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra earlier today.

General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. have agreed to build fighter jet engines for India air force and navy—a high point of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit that signifies deepening military ties between the two countries.

PM Narendra Modi presented President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden special gifts during their meeting at the White House.

Preparations for the state dinner to be hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House are underway. A media preview of the same took place today. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington D.C.

First Lady Joe Biden joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a special event relating to skill development.

PM Narendra Modi landed at the Joint Base Andrews airport in Washington D.C., for the second leg of his U.S. state visit.

"The warmth of the Indian community and the blessings of Indra Devta made the arrival even more special," he tweeted upon arrival.

The day will be packed with meetings planned with President Joe Biden, senior American leaders, CEOs, and members of the diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington D.C., on Thursday for the next phase of his U.S. visit. The Indian prime minister is on his first state visit to the United States on invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

The day will see Modi meeting President Joe Biden at the White House, followed by interactions with senior American leaders, CEOs, and members of the diaspora.

PM Modi will also address a joint sitting of the U.S. Congress on invitation from Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, along with other lawmakers. This will be his second address to the U.S. Congress.