PM Narendra Modi Arrives in New York to a Rock-Star Welcome

Describing America as India's "natural global partner", Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York on Friday on a five-day visit to the US, holding out an assurance that India is "open and friendly" for business and innovations.

PM Modi, 64, flew into New York's JFK airport on a special Air India Boeing plane on the first leg of his maiden visit to the US as Prime Minister after a nearly nine-hour flight from Frankfurt where he had an overnight halt.

Then, in a rare gesture, PM Modi came out of his huge convoy to greet a large number of Indians who had gathered outside his hotel to welcome him on his arrival to the US and were chanting his name.

The Indians were also carrying placards with messages such as 'We love Modi', 'America loves Modi', 'Indian American loves Modi'.

As he seeks to hardsell India as a sound investment destination and mend ties with the US after a bitter diplomatic row last year, PM Modi asserted that the two countries have a fundamental stake and many shared interests in each other's success.

Ahead of his arrival, PM Modi said he was looking forward to meeting President Barack Obama in Washington over two days from September 29 on the second and final leg of his visit.

The Prime Minister, who has a power-packed schedule, both in New York and Washington, with nearly 35 engagements, is due to deliver his maiden address to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) tomorrow during his three-day stay in New York.

Seen here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi boarding Air India One before leaving for USA as Indian Ambassador to Germany and his wife look on at Frankfurt International Airport in Germany on Friday.