WASHINGTON - In an effort to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship and counter China's global influence, President Joe Biden warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House on Thursday. The visit included various defense and trade agreements, symbolizing the administration's commitment to closer ties with India.

The day commenced with a vibrant arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, attended by approximately 7,000 people. The leaders then engaged in talks in the Oval Office and concluded the day with a splendid state dinner. Prior to the official events, they also shared a private dinner at the White House on Wednesday evening.

Biden emphasized the need for collaboration between India and the United States in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, highlighting their joint leadership role. Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, considering it an honor not only for the Indian people but also for the millions of Indian diaspora residing in the U.S.

The opening ceremony had a festive atmosphere, featuring performances by violinist Vibha Janakiraman and a cappella group Penn Masala, who entertained the crowd with renditions of songs by Maroon 5 and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

In a rare move, Modi agreed to take questions from reporters alongside Biden at the White House, which drew attention to concerns about human rights in India. This press interaction was significant as Modi had not held a news conference during his nine-year tenure as prime minister.

Washington views India as a crucial partner and a strategic counterweight to China, aiming to enhance defense cooperation and reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains. The agreements reached during the visit encompass various areas, including semiconductors, critical minerals, technology, space cooperation, and defense cooperation and sales.

Notably, General Electric Co will be allowed to produce jet engines in India to power Indian military aircraft, signaling a groundbreaking deal. Additionally, the maritime agreement permits U.S. Navy ships in the region to dock at Indian shipyards for repairs. India's plan to acquire U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones will also be announced.

The agreements further include Micron Technology's $2.7 billion investment in a new semiconductor testing and packaging unit in Gujarat, Modi's home state. The U.S. will facilitate the process for skilled Indian workers to obtain and renew visas. India has also committed to joining the U.S.-led Artemis Accords on space exploration and collaborating with NASA on a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.

While the visit signifies the growing partnership between the two countries, concerns over democratic backsliding and human rights issues in India have been raised by some lawmakers. Progressive Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, announced their boycott of Modi's address to Congress.

Biden is expected to raise concerns about press and religious freedoms and other issues in a respectful manner. However, rights advocates argue that publicly addressing India's human rights record is necessary, as private discussions have not effectively addressed the alleged deterioration of rights in the country.

Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries plan to lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to India in October, demonstrating continued engagement between the two nations.

Modi's visit marks his first state visit to the United States, and as a gesture of friendship, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden prepared gifts for him, including a vintage American camera, a print of George Eastman's first Kodak camera patent, a book of American wildlife photography, and a signed first edition of Robert Frost's poems.

On a separate note, Modi met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in New York, discussing plans for Tesla to enter the Indian market. Musk revealed that Modi encouraged a significant investment in the country, suggesting that an announcement on this matter would be made soon.