- Wednesday, May 07, 2025
The Indian prime minister arrived in the US capital in the second leg of his maiden state visit to the US.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at Joint Base Andrews in Washington DC on his arrival at the US capital on Wednesday (21).
National Anthems of both India and the US were being played after the prime minister landed at the base and disembarked from the plane. Modi was wearing a raincoat as he stood in the downpour while the anthems were played.
Reached Washington DC. The warmth of the Indian community and the blessings of Indra Devta made the arrival even more special. pic.twitter.com/V0sXSyUbTX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2023
In a tweet after reaching Washington DC, the prime minister tweeted, “Reached Washington DC. The warmth of the Indian community and the blessings of Indra Devta made the arrival even more special.”
Honoured that @FLOTUS @DrBiden joined us in a special event relating to skill development. Skilling is a top priority for India and we are dedicated to creating a proficient workforce that can boost enterprise and value creation. pic.twitter.com/eXibkMme9c
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2023
Leaders from Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were quick to share the video on social media platforms and lauded the prime minister for his spirit. The video went viral on social media.
BJP’s national spokesperson Sambit Patra was among the first to share the video featuring Modi and wrote in Hindi, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
भारत माता की जय।?? pic.twitter.com/D21KuNsV4O
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) June 22, 2023
Netizens also reacted to the video and called it a display of patriotism.
“In a remarkable display of respect and patriotism, PM Modi stood in the rain today to honor the National Anthem upon his arrival in the United States,” wrote one Twitter user.
“PM Modi accorded ceremonial welcome, guard of honour upon arriving at Washington DC National anthem was being played when rain started pouring. Modi ji stood there Unperturbed of the rain,” another Twitter user wrote.
Modi arrived in the US capital in the second leg of his maiden state visit to the US. He flew in from New York where he led a unique yoga event at the headquarters of the United Nations which was attended by people from 135 nations, setting up a world record.
The prime minister met the first lady, Jill Biden, and accompanied her to the National Science Foundation in Virginia.
The leader was greeted with chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as he met members of the Indian diaspora who flooded the roads to see him. He also received a grand reception after arriving at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington DC.
Later on Wednesday, Modi met US president Joe Biden who along with his spouse, hosted a private dinner for the former at the White House. The occasion also saw them exchanging gifts.
On Thursday (22), Modi will hold bilateral talks with Biden and address a joint session of the US Congress, for the second time since 2016. He will also attend a state dinner along with other dignitaries at the White House.
