Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the third and final day of his visit to the US on Friday told US diplomats at the State Department that the "promise over the horizon", as Joe Biden as Vice President had described the bilateral relationship nine years ago, has become a "reality" today.
Modi was referring to his 2014 visit to the US, his first as the Prime Minister. Biden was the Vice President then, and had hosted a luncheon meeting for Modi at the State Department.
In the years since, the relationship has made a "lot of progress", Modi said, adding, "Whether it is on ground or in the skies, in the deep seas, or way up in space, India and America can be seen working together. Indeed, in the true sense, the promise over the horizon today is not merely a promise, but a reality, and neither is it far over the horizon."
The Prime Minister went on give the credit for it to "your dreams and your tireless hard work", and those in the room, which included America's top diplomats such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul and ranking member Gregory Meeks.
US Vice President Kamala Harris co-hosted the lunch for Prime Minister Modi with Secretary Blinken. Welcoming Modi, Harris spoke about spending time with her grandfather in Chennai -- it was then madras, she reminded the audience -- and learning from some principles that have stayed with her.
"Throughout those walks, I recall my grandfather teaching me lessons about not just what it means to have a democracy, but to keep a democracy. And I do believe it is these lessons that I learnt at a very young age that first inspired my interest in public service," Harris said.
On Thursday, Biden had said, "Equity under the law, freedom of expression, religious pluralism, and diversity of our people -- these core principles have endured and evolved, even as they have faced challenges throughout each of our nation's histories, and will fuel our strength, depth, and future."
Prime Minister Modi was asked about democracy and religious freedom at the White House news briefings, to which he said, "Democracy is in our DNA."
Welcoming the Prime Minister to the State Department, Blinken spoke about, among other things, the arc of the relationship in the last two-and-a-half years that he has headed the State Department.
"During the last two-and-a-half years, we've transformed the relationship between the two countries," he said.
"We are working closer together on more issues than ever before; from semiconductors to space, from education to food security. The energy, ambition, and potential of our cooperation is boundless. The United States and India have become, as the Prime Minister has put it, indispensable partners and that partnership, as President Biden said, is a defining relationship of the 21st century."
New Urban Community Health Centre to reduce patients rush in GBP Hospital: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday laid foundation stone of 50-bed Urban Community Health Center here at Agartala and said that the present government is working diligently to improve health infrastructure and services in the state.
Govt determined to develop sports infrastructure in Tripura: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated football turf, athletics track and hockey ground here at Agartala Dasarath Deb Sports Complex at Badharghat and said that the government is determined to develop facilities and platform for sports persons in the state.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.