New York/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in New York on Tuesday for a rare three-day state visit to the US, during which he is set to address the joint session of the US Congress and dinner with President Biden.

"Landed in New York City. Looking forward to the programmes here including interaction with thought leaders and the Yoga Day programme tomorrow, 21st June," Prime Minister Modi tweeted after landing.

At the airport, he was seen shaking hands with a huge group of Indian expats who had gathered to welcome him.

As he made his way to the hotel, another crowd of expats was seen waiting. Many were seen holding impromptu dances to while away the time.

The Prime Minister has now reached the hotel, where he will hold a round of meetings with 24 thought leaders, including Nobel laureates, economists, artists, scientists, scholars, entrepreneurs, academicians, health sector experts, and others. 

The list includes Tesla founder Elon Musk who is looking to invest in India, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and Grammy award-winning Indian-American singer Falu (Falguni Shah).

The others include Senior Vice President of the World Bank Paul Romer, mathematical statistician Nicholas Nassim Taleb, American billionaire investor Ray Dalio, author Jeff Smith, Michael Froman, American physician, Nobel Laureate, and molecular biologist Dr Peter Agre and Grammy-nominated artist Chandrika Tandon.

PM Modi is the third Indian to be invited for a state visit, seen as the highest form of expression of friendly ties and is reserved only for closest allies.

A state visit involves an invitation by the Head of a State to his official residence – PM Modi is having a family dinner with the Bidens at the White House on Wednesday.