Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday.
Modi was greeted with a colorful ceremony on the White House South Lawn, where thousands gathered to listen to the leaders.
Speaking side-by-side, Biden praised "the limitless possibilities of our two countries" and describing the US and India as "two great nations, two great friends, two great powers." He called religious pluralism a "core principle for India."
Modi thanked Biden "for his friendship" and said it is an "honor and pride for 1.4 billion [in India] and 1.4 million people of Indian origin living in the US."
Modi said that in a post-pandemic future, "the world order is taking new shape. In this time period, the friendship between India and US will be instrumental in enchancing the strength of the whole world."
He said the strong strategic partnership between the two countries was clear proof of "the power of democracy" and that he was "deeply grateful" for an opportunity to address US Congress later in the day.
The two will hold extensive talks in the Oval Office after, which will be followed by Modi's speech before US lawmakers in Congress. Thursday's ceremonies will wrap up with a state dinner in the evening.
Modi and Biden held a private dinner on Wednesday night, following his arrival at the White House.
In a highly anticipated move, Modi has agreed to take questions with Biden at the White House on Thursday. India's head of government has not conducted a news conference in years.
As part of the state visit, Biden and Modi are expected to pen a number of bilateral agreements, seeking to further defense and technology ties.
The two leaders are set to sign off on a deal that will allow US firm General Electric to produce engines for Indian military jets.
India and the US have also planned an agreement which would allow US Navy ships to stop in Indian shipyards for repairs.
The agreements are to include US chipmaker Micron Technology's $2.7 billion plan for a new semiconductor testing and packaging unit in the western state of Gujarat.
The US will also make it easier for skilled Indian workers to obtain and renew US visas.
Before the meeting on Thursday, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan responded to concerns over the state of democracy in India.
