President Biden: Indian Americans incredible, they are taking over the country

During an interaction with Dr Swati Mohan, who leads the guidance, navigation, and control operations of NASA's Mars 2021 mission, US President Joe Biden termed Indian Americans as incredible.

President Biden Dr Swati Mohan Indian Americans taking over the country-VPN

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Washington D.C., First Published Mar 5, 2021, 9:37 AM IST | Last Updated Mar 5, 2021, 9:37 AM IST

United States President Joe Biden has hailed the contribution of Indian Americans in rekindling the American spirit.

During an interaction with Dr Swati Mohan, who leads the guidance, navigation, and control operations of NASA's Mars 2020 mission, Biden said Indian American are incredible.

"Indians - of descent - Americans are taking over the country: you (Dr Swati); my Vice President (Kamala Harris); my speechwriter Vinay (Reddy). You guys are incredible," he said.

Biden has appointed at least 55 Indian-Americans to key leadership positions in his administration.

Here are excerpts from President Biden's interaction with Dr Swati Mohan:

President Joe Biden: Hey, Doc. How are you?

Dr Swati Mohan: I am doing very well, Mr President. Thank you for --

President Joe Biden: I just want you to know --

Dr Swati Mohan: -- for taking the time to speak with us.

President Joe Biden: Are you kidding me? What an honour this is. This is an incredible honour. And it is amazing. Indian - of descent - Americans are taking over the country: you; my Vice President; my speechwriter, Vinay. I tell you what. But thank you. You guys are incredible.

Dr Swati Mohan: You know, those last days and weeks leading up to landing day, it was pretty smooth, but we were all still really nervous and, frankly, terrified until we got through those final seven minutes. To be able to call 'touchdown' safely, to see those first images come back from Mars, to see the place where we have never been able to go to on Mars before and go there - reach there for the express purpose of seeking out new life just made it feel like I was living in a dream.

President Joe Biden: Well, I tell you what, you said you feel like you are 'living a dream' -- you have created a dream for millions and millions of young kids, young Americans. You talk about STEM. You -- it was -- look, the thing that I found so exhilarating about this: You all did this — the whole team -- the team I can see now and the entire team at JPL -- what you did: You restored a dose of confidence in the American people.

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