Modi pays tributes to Gandhi in Washington

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd gathered to watch him pay homage at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Washington on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the statue of the Father of the Nation in Washington.

A large number of Indian-Americans were present to welcome the Prime Minister, who was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj when he arrived at the Indian Embassy to pay tribute to the statue in front of the mission.

Mr. Modi will meet U.S. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and separately the Governor of Maryland.

Thereafter Mr. Modi will go to the White House for the official bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama. The two are expected to issue a joint statement at the end of the meeting.

Mr. Modi is also scheduled to address a reception hosted by the U.S. India Business Council (USIBC).

The Prime Minister is also likely to visit the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington.