PM Modi greets Indian diaspora in UK on his arrival

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in the United Kingdom on Thursday, greeted members of the Indian community here, saying that the diaspora has played a key role in the strengthening of the India-UK ties.

"Thank you @Number10gov. We are very proud of the Indian diaspora in UK. Their role in strengthening India-UK ties is immense," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

The members of the Indian community raised slogans of 'Modi! Modi' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' outside St. James' Court, where Prime Minister Modi arrived a short while back. The Prime Minister met the members of the Indian community and also exchanged pleasantries with them.

Earlier, British Prime Minister David Cameron had welcomed Prime Minister Modi on behalf of Britain's Indian community.

"Welcome to the UK @narendramodi from Britain's Indian community #ModiInUK," UK Prime Minister's official twitter handle said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day bilateral visit, was received at the Heathrow Airport by the Indian High Commissioner to UK Rajan Mathai, UK's High Commissioner to India James Bevan along with several senior officials of the British Government and the military attaches of the Indian High Commission.

This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Britain since assuming office last year and is also the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the UK in almost a decade.

Prime Minister Modi will be given a Guard of Honour at Treasury Quadrangle, Kings Charles Street before being officially welcomed by his Britain counterpart David Cameron.