President Joe Biden shared an awkward moment with India's prime minister when he placed his hand over his heart for India's national anthem.

Biden soon slowly lowered his hand during the song, looking confused during the strange exchange.

Biden raises his hand to his heart for the national anthem ... of India.

He awkwardly lowers it after realizing his mistake. pic.twitter.com/rN7EOIZhsI

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) June 22, 2023

The ceremony

"Biden greeted Modi with a red carpet ceremony as the U.S. hopes to bolster ties with India amid tensions with Russia and China. India has been drifting towards the Russian/Chinese orbit in the past two years after agreeing to trade deals with Russia despite several sanctions placed on the Kremlin by Western governments," Trending Politics reported.

"At the ceremony, Biden raised his hand to his heart as 'Jana Gana Mana,' India’s national anthem, began to play. He maintained the position for about 15 seconds before noticing and lowering his hand," it added.

Joe Biden is an embarrassment to America. https://t.co/DwpIPMETkm

— ACT For America (@ACTforAmerica) June 22, 2023

The discussion

“Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers. Cheers," Biden told Modi in a toast at a state dinner. Modi said in reply: “You are soft spoken, but when it comes to action, you are very strong.”

"The challenges and opportunities facing the world in this century require that India and the United States work and lead together, and we are," Biden said as he welcomed Modi to the White House.

Biden tries his best to recover after accidentally pledging allegiance to India.

READ: https://t.co/PMANww9BXy#Biden #NationalAnthem #Explore #ExplorePage #ViralVideo #ViralVideos #Politics #News #US pic.twitter.com/TIJy7XOphO

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) June 22, 2023

The White House's statement

"Together, we will build an even stronger, diverse U.S.-India partnership that will advance the aspirations of our people for a bright and prosperous future grounded in respect for human rights, and shared principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law," the White House released in a statement concerning Modi's visit.

"Our cooperation will serve the global good as we work through a range of multilateral and regional groupings – particularly the Quad– to contribute toward a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. No corner of human enterprise is untouched by the partnership between our two great countries, which spans the seas to the stars," it added.

The two leaders otherwise held a quiet meeting despite protests by some on India's human rights.

India has also been criticized over its limitations on religious freedom under the prime minister.

The gathering's long planning, however, was overshadowed on this occasion by Biden's awkward moves during the Indian national anthem.