Underlining the shared priorities of the two nations, including education and workforce, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in order to maintain the momentum of growth, a “pipeline of talent” is needed for India and the US. Modi made these comments at an event hosted by First Lady Jill Biden in Virgina late on Wednesday.
Later, US President Joe Biden and Jill hosted Prime Minister Modi for a personal dinner at the White House, signalling the warm friendship between the two countries.
Modi was received by the President and the First Lady. Before they entered the building, they posed for photos and were seen chatting.
Modi also met the immediate family members of President Biden.
“Prime Minister’s participation in this special engagement reaffirms the warm friendship between our two countries,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a brief statement on the intimate dinner.
Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “I thank @POTUS @JoeBiden and @FLOTUS @DrBiden for hosting me at the White House today. We had a great conversation on several subjects.”
The Ministry of External Affairs said the intimate dinner was an occasion for two leaders who share close bonds of friendship to cherish special moments together.
“When friends meet! PM @narendramodi arrives at the @WhiteHouse for a private engagement with @POTUS @JoeBiden, @FLOTUS @DrBiden and family. An occasion for two leaders who share close bonds of friendship to cherish special moments together,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted earlier.
According to the White House, this evening, the president, the first lady and the prime minister also enjoyed a musical tribute to the regions of India. They were joined by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, it said.
Earlier in the day, Modi called for focused on talent while participating in the ‘Skilling For Future Event’ organised by the National Science Foundation (NSF)late Wednesday and his visit to the Virginia-based agency was hosted by First Lady Jill Biden.
The event focused on workforce redevelopment across higher education institutions to expand and enhance access to quality education across society.
The Prime Minister highlighted numerous steps taken by India to promote education, skilling and innovation. He appreciated ongoing bilateral academic exchanges, and collaborations between Indian and US academic and research ecosystems.
“I am really happy to have got an opportunity to interact with young and creative minds here. India is working on several projects in collaboration with the NSF. I thank First Lady Jill Biden for planning and organising this event,” Modi said.
Explaining the skilling mission of his Government, Modi said for the bright future of youngsters, it is important to have education, skill and innovation, and India has worked in this direction.