US President Joe Biden has once again expressed the United States’ backing for India’s permanent membership in the reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and has committed to continuing engagement with like-minded partners to advance this objective.

Biden has welcomed India’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2028-2029 term, recognizing India’s significant contributions to the UN system, its commitment to multilateralism, and its active involvement in intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reforms.

In a joint statement issued by India and the US, both nations have reaffirmed their determination to counter any unilateral attempts to undermine the multilateral system. President Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have emphasized the need to strengthen the multilateral system.

The joint statement states, “In this context, both sides remain committed to a comprehensive UN reform agenda, including through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council.”

“Recognizing the importance of a more inclusive and representative global governance, President Biden reiterated US support for India’s permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC),” the statement reads.

It further adds, “In this context, President Biden welcomed India’s candidature as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2028-29 term, considering India’s significant contributions to the UN system, commitment to multilateralism, as well as its active and constructive engagement in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process on Security Council reforms, with an overall objective of making the UNSC more effective, representative, and credible.”

The joint statement also highlights the crucial role of nuclear energy in global decarbonization efforts and recognizes nuclear energy as a necessary resource to address climate change, energy transition, and energy security needs. The ongoing negotiations between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) for the construction of six nuclear reactors in India are mentioned.

Furthermore, Biden and PM Modi reiterate their commitment to a “free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region” while upholding territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international law. They express concerns over “coercive actions and rising tensions” and oppose unilateral actions that seek to alter the status quo through force.

Both sides emphasize the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in addressing challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the East and South China Seas.

In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, PM Modi called for reforms in global institutions like the United Nations to make them more representative in the multipolar world order and to protect less affluent countries from the consequences of climate change and debt burden.

When asked about India’s aspiration for permanent membership in the Security Council, PM Modi stated that a comprehensive evaluation of the council’s current membership should be conducted and that the world should be consulted on India’s inclusion.

PM Modi aims to position India as a natural leader of the global South, capable of voicing the long-neglected aspirations of developing countries, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

“We believe that India deserves a much higher, deeper, and wider profile and a role on the world stage,” the Prime Minister said. He added, “We do not see India as supplanting any country. We see this process as India attaining its rightful position in the world.”

During his visit to India in December, Pichai recognized the progress made under PM Modi’s leadership and emphasized the importance of continuing strong partnerships. He participated in the Google for India event and shared his excitement about the $10 billion India Digitization Fund (IDF), which aims to shape India’s digital future. One of the key initiatives mentioned was the development of a unified AI model capable of processing over 100 Indian languages, along with support for responsible AI through collaboration with IIT Madras.

Pichai also discussed Project Relate, an app designed to understand non-binary speech, highlighting its availability for Hindi users. He mentioned plans to make search result pages bilingual in India and expand the feature to languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Bengali. Voice search capabilities were also improved to better understand Hinglish, taking into account factors like accent and context.

During PM Modi’s state visit to the US, he also met with CEOs Andrew Jassy from Amazon and David L Calhoun from Boeing. Discussions with Calhoun focused on India’s potential role in aviation and aerospace, with PM Modi emphasizing the country’s significance in the industry. Jassy expressed Amazon’s commitment to creating employment opportunities in India and supporting the digitization of small and medium-sized businesses.

Overall, the meetings and announcements highlighted the strong partnership between Google, Amazon, Boeing, and India, emphasizing the country’s digital transformation, innovation, and economic potential.

US President Joe Biden expressed his appreciation for the strong relationship between the United States and India, emphasizing its global significance. He stated on Twitter that the friendship between the two nations has reached new heights and is more robust and dynamic than ever before. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to Biden’s tweet, agreeing that the friendship between their countries contributes positively to the world. 

He further mentioned that his recent visit to the US strengthened their bond even further. Prime Minister Modi’s visit included meetings with top Indian and American CEOs, a state dinner at the White House hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, a State Luncheon by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Vice President Kamala Harris, and an interaction with the Indian diaspora. After concluding his visit to the US, Prime Minister Modi traveled to Egypt, where he engaged in various meetings and engagements, including a roundtable meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. 

During the visit, an agreement was signed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership,” focusing on areas such as trade, investment, defense, security, renewable energy, culture, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi was honored with Egypt’s highest state honor and also visited historical landmarks in Egypt, including the pyramids of Giza, Al-Hakim Mosque, and the Heliopolis War Cemetery, where he paid tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Egypt was a result of an invitation extended by President El-Sisi in January 2023, when the Prime Minister was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Modi interacted with the members of the Indian community on June 23, 2023 at the Ronald Reagan Centre in Washington D.C. The diaspora reception was hosted by the United States Indian Community Foundation.

In his address, the Prime Minister congratulated Indian community members for the success in their respective fields in the USA and invited them to contribute to India’s growth during Amrit Kaal. The Prime Minister also thanked them for playing a significant role in strengthening India-USA ties, and highlighted future areas of bilateral partnership.

Here are the Highlights from PM Modi’s speech:

“Today’s transformed India will surprise you, adding that the country has witnessed an unprecedented digital revolution.”

“The credit for all the love and attention I am getting in the US goes to the Indian diaspora”

“India-US partnership is about making the world in 21st century better again”

“A new journey has started in India-US ties in the last three days”

“Defence deals will cement the partnership between India and the US”

“Together we are not just forming policies and agreements, we are shaping lives, dreams and destinies”

“The biggest reason for India’s progress today is the self confidence of 140 crore Indians”

“Today’s new India is confident about itself, it is changing potential into performance”

“The digital transformation that India has undergone in the last few years will surprise you”

“You have played a key role in America’s progress. Now I urge you to encourage our young entrepreneurs and contribute to India’s growth story”

“I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 antiquities of India that were stolen from us. These antiquities had reached the international markets. I express my gratitude to the American government for honouring our sentiments”

“India is the mother of democracy, US champion of modern democracy; the world is watching the strengthening ties of two great democracies.”

“You all play a crucial role in this partnership…. meeting you all is like having a sweet dish after a meal.,” he said.

“Defence deals will cement the partnership between India and the US. Together we are not just forming policies and agreements, we are shaping lives, dreams and destinies. The biggest reason for India’s progress today is the self confidence of 140 crore Indians,” the prime minister told the Indian community in his address.

“The manner in which India has seen a digital revolution in the past few years is unprecedented. Maybe you will see a barcode board there at a shop in your village. Maybe you try to pay in cash and the shopkeeper asks if you have a digital payment app on your phone. This transformed India will amaze you. Today anyone, anywhere in India can do 24/7 banking. Be it Sunday or Monday, there is no impact on it,” he told the Indian diaspora.”

“This is the best time to invest as much as possible in India. The research center of Google’s AI in India will work on more than 100 languages. With the help of the Indian government, a Tamil Studies chair will be established here at the University of Houston.”

“You have played a key role in America’s progress. Now I urge you to encourage our young entrepreneurs and contribute to India’s growth story.”

“I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 antiquities of India that were stolen from us. These antiquities had reached the international markets. I express my gratitude to the American government for honouring our sentiments,”.

“India is the mother of democracy, the US champion of modern democracy; the world is watching the strengthening ties of two great democracies,” the prime minister told the Indian community.”

In a historic event, US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy expressed his privilege in welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of the world’s largest democracy, to address a joint session of the US Congress. McCarthy emphasized his anticipation for strengthened economic and national security ties between the United States and India, referring to them as “great nations.”

Prime Minister Modi, at the invitation of several US Congressional leaders, delivered a significant address to the joint sitting of Congress in Washington. He presented his vision for the future of the consequential India-US bilateral partnership, acknowledging the bipartisan support extended by the US Congress in fostering strong ties between the two countries. PM Modi highlighted the remarkable progress made by India and the potential it holds for the world, while also sharing his aspirations for advancing bilateral relations.

Upon his arrival at Capitol Hill, PM Modi received a formal welcome from Congressional leaders and held separate meetings with McCarthy and other Congressional representatives. Vice President Kamala Harris was also in attendance. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted about the meeting, emphasizing the common challenges faced by both nations and their commitment to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

During his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s inclusive nature, stating that it welcomes and celebrates all faiths and embraces diversity as a natural way of life. He acknowledged the global curiosity about India and recognized the House’s interest in learning more about his country.

PM Modi highlighted India’s economic growth, noting that it has risen from the 10th largest economy to the 5th, with projections of becoming the 3rd largest in the near future. He emphasized the interconnectedness of India’s growth with the prosperity of the entire world, given its significant population share.

This marked the Prime Minister’s second address to the US Congress, following his previous one in September 2016 during his official visit to the USA. PM Modi emphasized the special place the United States holds in India’s global approach, stating that every member of the US Congress has a deep interest in relations with New Delhi. He exemplified the symbiotic relationship between defense and aerospace growth in India and the thriving industries in several American states.

PM Modi listed India’s numerous accomplishments, such as providing nearly 40 million homes for over 150 million people, running a national health insurance program for approximately 500 million individuals, and spearheading the world’s largest financial inclusion drive, which has benefited close to 500 million unbanked citizens. He also highlighted India’s progress in digitalization, with over 850 million smartphones and internet users in the country.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to prevent bloodshed and human suffering. He also alluded to concerns about the Indo-Pacific region, mentioning “dark clouds of coercion and confrontation” without explicitly mentioning China. PM Modi emphasized the shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, anchored in ASEAN centrality, international law, and devoid of debt burdens and strategic leveraging.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the US Congress marked a significant moment in India-US relations. He presented his vision for the future, highlighted India’s achievements, and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges and fostering prosperity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Indian community residing in the United States, highlighting their remarkable achievements in various fields beyond the renowned Spelling Bee competition. Speaking at a joint session of the US Congress, Modi acknowledged the significant role played by Indian-Americans in strengthening the relationship between India and the US. Representing the vast population of 1.4 billion Indians, Modi expressed his immense honor and privilege to address the US Congress for the second time, with his previous address taking place in 2016.

Modi commended the brilliance exhibited by Indian-Americans across diverse domains, emphasizing their talents, skills, and profound affinity for both countries. President Joe Biden also acknowledged the contributions of Americans with Indian heritage within his administration, citing Vice President Kamala Harris as an embodiment of the flourishing relationship and boundless possibilities between the two nations. Harris, born in Oakland, California, is the daughter of an Indian mother from Tamil Nadu and a Jamaican father. The Biden administration currently boasts a record number of over 150 Indian-Americans serving in pivotal positions.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi expressed admiration for the Indian diaspora and conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception he received at the White House, considering it a source of honor and pride for the 1.4 billion people of India and the more than 4 million people of Indian origin residing in the US. During a State Dinner, Modi lauded the substantial contributions made by Indian Americans towards the overall progress of their adopted nation and the strengthening of the India-US relationship. Notable personalities from the technology and business sectors, including Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Tim Cook, were among the distinguished guests in attendance.

The National Bee is an arduous endurance test, renowned for its high stakes and intense pressure, going beyond a mere spelling competition. Participants invest months of dedicated preparation to excel in this challenging event. Surprisingly, despite constituting only around 1 percent of the US population, Indian-Americans have consistently showcased their supremacy in the Spelling Bee contest over the past two decades.

The Spelling Bee in the US stands as a testament to the remarkable dominance exhibited by young children from this relatively small ethnic community, persisting for over ten years. Since Balu Natarajan’s victory in 1985, more than 20 children of Indian origin have achieved the prestigious title of champion in this long-standing competition. The National Spelling Bee was first introduced in 1925.

India and the United States strengthened their strategic alliance on the second day of Prime Minister Modi’s “state visit” to Washington, DC, by signing agreements spanning massive defense deals, semiconductors, essential minerals, collaboration in essential and emerging technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, telecommunications, and space cooperation.

While India will establish a mission in Seattle, the US may introduce in-country renewable H-1B visas and open consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

Following their delegation-level meetings, US President Mr. Joe Biden stated in answer to a query regarding human rights in India, “Prime Minister (Modi) and I had a terrific discussion on democratic values. We all have a great deal of respect for one another since we live in democracies. Our diversity, cultures, and open, tolerant debate are characteristics of both of our countries that are democratic in nature. Every citizen has worth, in our opinion.

According to Mr. Joe Biden, bilateral trade has increased by more than a factor of two over the past 10 years, totaling more than US$ 191 billion and sustaining tens of thousands of well-paying jobs in both India and the US. In addition, the US President said that Air India’s purchase of more than 200 Boeing airplanes would sustain 1 million American employment across 44 states. In addition, he stated that “Indian companies are announcing more than US$ 2 billion in new investments in manufacturing and solar in Colorado, steel in Ohio, optic fiber in South Carolina, and much more, proving that manufacturing in America is back.”

According to PM Modi, all citizens in India receive government benefits equally and without distinction. “Democracy is in our DNA, and we live it,” he continued. There is no caste, religious, or geographic prejudice.

The technology transfer agreement to produce fighter jet engines in India, which he described as a “landmark” arrangement, was mentioned by PM Modi as evidence that India had resolved to address all outstanding trade disputes with the United States. According to him, India’s decision to sign on to the Artemis Accord proved that “even the sky is not the limit” when it comes to bilateral ties between the US and India.

By 2024, according to Mr. Joe Biden, the United States will send an Indian into space. PM Mr. Modi was hosted by US President Mr. Joe Biden and First Lady Ms. Jill for a private dinner at the White House.

After arriving at the White House South Lawn to a festive welcome ceremony that featured a 21-gun salute, PM Modi met privately with Mr. Joe Biden before engaging in bilateral delegation-level discussions. One of the most important connections of the twenty-first century, according to Mr. Joe Biden, is the relationship between the US and India.

The White House gates have never before been opened to such a large number of Indian-Americans, according to PM Modi. He congratulated Mr. Joe Biden for the magnificent welcome ceremony at the White House, which he termed as an honor and source of pride for India’s 1.4 billion people. He further said that while India is the world’s largest “yuva (youth) factory,” the United States has the best educational institutions and cutting-edge technology.

US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared lighthearted moments during the state dinner at the White House, showcasing their camaraderie. As both leaders abstain from alcohol, President Biden recounted his grandfather’s advice on toasting without it. Speaking at the grand event, attended by approximately 400 guests, President Biden humorously mentioned his grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan, who used to suggest raising a toast with the left hand when there’s no alcohol in the glass. The audience erupted in laughter, even as the translator attempted to convey the joke in Hindi.

Expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended to him, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting the dinner and opening their doors to him. He acknowledged the successful visit and highlighted the significance of celebrating the strong bonds of friendship between India and the United States. The presence of the guests at the event, representing the people of both countries, was acknowledged by the Prime Minister as a symbol of the dynamic and potential-filled US-India relationship.

The guest list for the White House dinner included prominent figures from various fields such as business, fashion, entertainment, and technology. Notable individuals like designer Ralph Lauren, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, and tennis legend Billie Jean King mingled with tech leaders from Apple, Google, and Microsoft, adding to the significance of the occasion.

During his speech to the joint session of the United States Congress on June 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the positive impact of the India-US partnership on the global future. In his previous visit in 2016, Modi expressed his belief in a significant future for the relationship between India and the US. During his recent address, he proclaimed that the future has arrived.

Expanding on India’s progress, Modi emphasized the country’s commitment to the concept of Vasudeva Kutumbhakam, which means “the world is one family.” He emphasized that India’s vision encompasses not only development but also development led by women. He pointed out that nearly 1.5 million elected women hold leadership positions at various levels of local governance in India, and the country boasts the largest number of women pilots in the world.

Regarding technological advancements in India, the Prime Minister highlighted the widespread adoption of unique biometric identities connected to bank accounts and mobile phones, with over a billion people benefiting from this system in the past nine years. He also mentioned the popularity of digital payments among street vendors, revealing that India witnessed 46 real-time payments per 100 transactions last year.

Modi proudly stated that India is the only G-20 country to uphold the Paris Agreement commitments, with 40 percent of its energy coming from renewable sources. He also noted that India currently holds the position of the fifth-largest economy in the world and is expected to soon rise to the third spot. He emphasized that India’s growth contributes to global growth, given its substantial population of one-sixth of the world’s total.

Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of granting a global voice to the countries in the global South. He advocated for the inclusion of the African Union as a member of the G20, presenting it as a way forward.

Modi received a standing ovation for the majority of his speech. The audience enthusiastically chanted slogans such as “Bharath Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” whenever he mentioned bilateral ties. The gallery included elected officials from the US Congress, the Indian delegation, and a significant number of Indian American attendees.

On June 22, 2023, at the invitation of  Mr. Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mr. Charles Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Leader, and Mr. Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered a speech to a joint session of the US Congress.

US Vice President, Ms. Kamala Harris, was also present.

The Congressional Leaders gave the Prime Minister a formal greeting upon his arrival on Capitol Hill. Following that, the Prime Minister met separately with Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House, and the Congressional Leaders.

In his speech, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the US Congress’s long-standing and steadfast bipartisan support for the strengthening of India-US relations.

The Prime Minister discussed the swift advancements in bilateral ties between India and the US and laid out his goals for strengthening such ties. He also discussed India’s remarkable success and the chances it offers the rest of the globe.

The Prime Minister was honored during a reception that Speaker McCarthy held. This was the second speech the prime minister gave to the joint session of the US Congress. During his previous trip to the US in September 2016, he spoke to the US Congress.

Here is PM Modi’s complete speech to the joint session of the US Congress

Mister Speaker, Madam Vice President, Distinguished Members of the US Congress, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

It is always a great honour to address the United States Congress. It is an exceptional privilege to do so twice. For this honour, I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India. I see that nearly half of you were here in 2016. I feel your warmth as old friends. I can also see the enthusiasm of a new friendship in the other half. I remember Senator Harry Reid, Senator John McCain, Senator Orrin Hatch, Elijah Cummings, Alcee Hastings and others, who I met here in 2016, and who are sadly no longer with us.

Mister Speaker,

Standing here, seven Junes ago, that’s the June when Hamilton swept all the awards, I said that the hesitations of history were behind us. Now, when our era is at a crossroads, I am here to speak about our calling for this century. Through the long and winding road that we have travelled, we have met the test of friendship. A lot has changed since I came here seven summers ago. But a lot has remained the same – like our commitment to deepen the friendship between India and the United States. In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI – Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there have been even more momentous developments in another AI – America and India.

Mister Speaker and Distinguished Members,

The beauty of democracy is the constant connect with the people, to listen to them, and feel their pulse. And, I know this takes a lot of time, energy, effort, and travel. It is a Thursday afternoon – a fly-out day for some of you. So, I am grateful for your time. I also know how busy you have been this last month.

Being a citizen of a vibrant democracy myself, I can admit one thing Mister Speaker – you have a tough job! I can relate to the battles of passion, persuasion and policy. I can understand the debate of ideas and ideology. But I am delighted to see you come together today, to celebrate the bond between world’s two great democracies – India and the United States. I am happy to help out whenever you need a strong bipartisan consensus. There will be – and there must be – a contest of ideas at home. But, we must also come together as one when we speak for our nation. And, you have shown that you can do it. Congratulations!

Mister Speaker,

The foundation of America was inspired by the vision of a nation of equal people. Throughout your history, you have embraced people from around the world. And, you have made them equal partners in the American dream. There are millions here, who have roots in India. Some of them sit proudly in this chamber. There is one behind me, who has made history! I am told that the Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings the full diversity of Indian cuisine here. Over two centuries, we have inspired each other through the lives of great Americans and Indians. We pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Junior. We also remember many others who worked for liberty, equality and justice. Today, I also wish to pay a heartfelt tribute to one of them – Congressman John Lewis.

Mister Speaker,

Democracy is one of our sacred and shared values. It has evolved over a long time, and taken various forms and systems. Throughout history, however, one thing has been clear.

Democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity.

Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse.
Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression.
India is blessed to have such values from times immemorial.
In the evolution of the democratic spirit, India is the Mother of Democracy.
Millennia ago, our oldest scriptures said,
‘एकम् सत् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति’.
It means – the truth is one but the wise express it in different ways.
Now, the US is the oldest and India the largest democracy.
Our partnership augurs well for the future of democracy.
Together, we shall give a better future to the world, and a better world to the future.

Mister Speaker,

Last year, India celebrated 75 years of its independence. Every milestone is important, but this one was special. We celebrated a remarkable journey of over 75 years of freedom, after a thousand years of foreign rule in one form or another. This was not just a celebration of democracy, but also of diversity. Not just of Constitution, but also of its spirit of social empowerment. Not just of our competitive and cooperative federalism, but also of our essential unity and integrity.

We have over two thousand five hundred political parties. Yes, you heard that right- two thousand five hundred. About twenty different parties govern various states of India. We have twenty-two official languages and thousands of dialects, and yet, we speak in one voice. Every hundred miles, our cuisine changes. From Dosa to Aloo Prantha and from Srikhand to Sandesh. We enjoy all of these. We are home to all faiths in the world, and we celebrate all of them. In India, diversity is a natural way of life.

Today, the world wants to know more and more about India. I see that curiosity in this House too. We were honoured to receive over hundred Members of the US Congress in India over the last decade. Everyone wants to understand India’s development, democracy and diversity. Everyone wants to know what India is doing right and how. Among close friends, I am happy to share the same.

Mister Speaker,

When I first visited the US as Prime Minister, India was the tenth largest economy in the world. Today, India is the fifth largest economy. And, India will be the third largest economy soon. We are not only growing bigger but we are also growing faster. When India grows, the whole world grows. After all, we are one sixth of the world’s population! In the last century, when India won its freedom, it inspired many other countries to free themselves from colonial rule. In this century, when India sets benchmarks in growth, it will inspire many other countries to do the same. Our vision is सबका साथ, सबका विकास, सबका विश्वास, सबका प्रयास. It means: Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust and everyone’s efforts.

Let me share with you how this vision is translating into action, with speed and scale. We are focusing on infrastructure development. We have given nearly forty million homes to provide shelter to over hundred and fifty million people. That is nearly six times the population of Australia! We run a national health insurance programme that ensures free medical treatment for about five hundred million people. That is greater than the population of South America! We took banking to the unbanked with the world’s largest financial inclusion drive. Nearly five hundred million people benefited.

This is close to the population of North America! We have worked on building Digital India. Today, there are more than eight hundred and fifty million smart phones and internet users in the country. This is more than the population of Europe! We protected our people with two point two billion doses of made in India COVID vaccines, and that too free of cost! I may be running out of continents soon, so I will stop here!

Distinguished members,

The Vedas are one of the world’s oldest scriptures. They are a great treasure of humanity, composed thousands of years ago. Back then, women sages composed many verses in the Vedas. And today, in modern India, women are leading us to a better future. India’s vision is not just of development which benefits women. It is of women-led development, where women lead the journey of progress. A woman has risen from a humble tribal background, to be our Head of State.

Nearly one point five million elected women lead us at various levels and that is of local governments. Today, women serve our country in the Army, Navy and Air Force. India also has the highest percentage of women airline pilots in the world. And, they have also put us on Mars, by leading our Mars Mission. I believe that investing in a girl child lifts up the entire family. Empowering women, transforms the nation.

Mister Speaker,

India is an ancient nation with a youthful population. India is known for its traditions. But the younger generation is also making it a hub of technology. Be it creative reels on Insta or real time payments, coding or quantum computing, machine learning or mobile apps, FinTech or data science, the youth of India are a great example of how a society can embrace latest technology. In India, technology is not only about innovation but also about inclusion. Today, digital platforms are empowering the rights and dignity of people, while protecting privacy.

In the last nine years, over a billion people got a unique digital biometric identity connected with their bank accounts and mobile phones. This digital public infrastructure helps us reach citizens within seconds with financial assistance. Eight hundred and fifty million people receive direct benefit financial transfers into their accounts. Three times a year, over hundred million farmers receive assistance in their bank accounts at the click of a button. The value of such transfers has crossed three hundred and twenty billion dollars, and we have saved over twenty five billion dollars in the process. If you visit India, you will see everyone is using phones for payments, including street vendors.

Last year, out of every 100 real time digital payments in the world, 46 happened in India. Nearly four hundred thousand miles of optical fibre cables, and cheap data have ushered in a revolution of opportunities. Farmers check weather updates, the elderly get social security payments, students access scholarships, doctors deliver tele-medicine, fishermen check fishing grounds and small businesses get loans, with just a tap on their phones.

Mister Speaker,

A spirit of democracy, inclusion and sustainability defines us. It also shapes our outlook to the world. India grows while being responsible about our planet.

We believe:

माता भूमि: पुत्रो अहं पृथिव्या:

This means- “the Earth is our Mother and we are her children.”

Indian culture deeply respects the environment and our planet. While becoming the fastest growing economy, we grew our solar capacity by Two Thousand Three Hundred Percent! Yes, you heard it right – Two Thousand Three Hundred Percent!

We became the only G20 country to meet its Paris commitment. We made renewables account for over forty percent of our energy sources, nine years ahead of the target of 2030. But we did not stop there. At the Glasgow Summit, I proposed Mission LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment. This is a way to make sustainability a true people’s movement. Not leave it to be the job of governments alone.

By being mindful in making choices, every individual can make a positive impact. Making sustainability a mass movement will help the world reach the Net Zero target faster. Our vision is pro-planet progress. Our vision is pro-planet prosperity. Our vision is pro-planet people.

Mister Speaker,

We live by the motto of वसुधैव कुटुंबकम or The World is One Family. Our engagement with the world is for everyone’s benefit. The “One Sun, One World, One Grid” seeks to join us all in connecting the world with clean energy. “One Earth, One Health” is a vision for global action to bring quality healthcare to everyone, including animals and plants.

The same spirit is also seen in the theme when we Chair the G20 – “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” We advance the spirit of unity through Yoga as well. Just yesterday, the whole world came together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Just last week, all nations joined our proposal at the UN to build a Memorial Wall to honour the peacekeepers.

And this year, the whole world is celebrating the International Year of Millets, to promote sustainable agriculture and nutrition alike. During Covid, we delivered vaccines and medicines to over hundred and fifty countries. We reach out to others during disasters as first responders, as we do for our own. We share our modest resources with those who need them the most. We build capabilities, not dependencies.

Mister Speaker,

When I speak about India’s approach to the world, the United States occupies a special place. I know our relations are of great importance to all of you. Every Member of this Congress has a deep interest in it. When defence and aerospace in India grow, industries in the states of Washington, Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania thrive. When American companies grow, their research and development centres in India thrive. When Indians fly more, a single order for aircrafts creates more than a million jobs in forty four states in America.

When an American phone maker invests in India, it creates an entire ecosystem of jobs and opportunities, in both countries. When India and the US work together on semi-conductors and critical minerals, it helps the world in making supply chains more diverse, resilient and reliable. Indeed, Mister Speaker, we were strangers in defence cooperation at the turn of the century. Now, the United States has become one of our most important defence partners. Today India and the US are working together, in space and in the seas, in science and in semi-conductors, in start-ups and sustainability, in tech and in trade, in farming and finance, in art and artificial intelligence, in energy and education, in healthcare and humanitarian efforts.

I can go on and on. But, to sum it up, I would say,
The scope of our co-operation is endless,
The potential of our synergies is limitless,
And, the chemistry in our relations is effortless.

In all this, Indian Americans have played a big role. They are brilliant in every field, not just in Spelling Bee. With their hearts and minds, talent and skills, and their love for America and India, they have connected us; they have unlocked doors; they have shown the potential of our partnership.

Mister Speaker, Distinguished Members,

Every Indian Prime Minister and American President of the past has taken our relationship further. But our generation has the honour of taking it to greater heights. I agree with President Biden that this is a defining partnership of this century. Because it serves a larger purpose. Democracy, demography and destiny give us that purpose. One consequence of globalisation has been the over-concentration of supply chains.

We will work together to diversify, decentralize, and democratise supply chains. Technology will determine the security, prosperity and leadership in the Twenty First century. That is why our two countries established a new “Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies.” Our knowledge partnership will serve humanity and seek solutions to the global challenges of climate change, hunger and health.

Mister Speaker and distinguished Members,

The last few years have seen deeply disruptive developments. With the Ukraine conflict, war has returned to Europe. It is causing great pain in the region. Since it involves major powers, the outcomes are severe. Countries of the Global South have been particularly affected. The global order is based on the respect for the principles of the UN Charter, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As I have said directly and publicly, this is not an era of war. But, it is one of dialogue and diplomacy. And, we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering. Mister Speaker, The dark clouds of coercion and confrontation are casting their shadow in the Indo Pacific. The stability of the region has become one of the central concerns of our partnership.

We share a vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, connected by secure seas, defined by international law, free from domination, and anchored in ASEAN centrality. A region where all nations, small and large, are free and fearless in their choices, where progress is not suffocated by impossible burdens of debt, where connectivity is not leveraged for strategic purposes, where all nations are lifted by the high tide of shared prosperity.

Our vision does not seek to contain or exclude, but to build a cooperative region of peace and prosperity. We work through regional institutions and with our partners from within the region and beyond. Of this, Quad has emerged as a major force of good for the region.

Mister Speaker,

More than two decades after 9/11 and more than a decade after 26/11 in Mumbai, radicalism and terrorism still remain a pressing danger for the whole world. These ideologies keep taking new identities and forms, but their intentions are the same. Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and there can be no ifs or buts in dealing with it. We must overcome all such forces sponsoring and exporting terror.

Mister Speaker,

COVID-19’s biggest impact was the human loss and suffering it caused. I wish to remember Congressman, Ron Wright and the staff members who lost their lives to Covid. As we emerge out of the pandemic, we must give shape to a new world order. Consideration, care and concern are the need of the hour. Giving a voice to the Global South is the way forward. That is why I firmly believe that the African Union be given full membership of G20.

We must revive multilateralism and reform multilateral institutions, with better resources and representation. That applies to all our global institutions of governance, especially the United Nations. When the world has changed, our institutions too must change. Or, risk getting replaced by a world of rivalries without rules. In working for a new world order based on international law, our two countries will be at the forefront, as partners.

Mister Speaker and Distinguished members,

Today, we stand at a new dawn in our relationship that will not only shape the destiny of our two nations, but also that of the world. As the young American Poet Amanda Gorman has expressed:

“When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid,
the new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.”

Our trusted partnership is like the Sun in this new dawn that will spread light all around.

I am reminded of a poem that I once wrote :

आसमान में सिर उठाकर
घने बादलों को चीरकर
रोशनी का संकल्प लें
अभी तो सूरज उगा है ।
दृढ़ निश्चय के साथ चलकर
हर मुश्किल को पार कर
घोर अंधेरे को मिटाने
अभी तो सूरज उगा है।।

If I were to say it in English, it would be:

Raising its head in the skies,
Piercing through the dense clouds,
With the promise of light,
The sun has just risen.
Armed with a deep resolve,
Overcoming all the odds,
To dispel the forces of darkness,
The sun has just risen.

Mister Speaker and Distinguished Members,

We come from different circumstances and history, but we are united by a common vision. And, by a common destiny. When our partnership progresses, economic resilience increases, innovation grows, science flourishes, knowledge advances, humanity benefits, our seas and skies are safer, democracy will shine brighter, and the world will be a better place.

That is the mission of our partnership. That is our calling for this century. Mister Speaker and Distinguished members, Even by the high standards of our partnership, this visit is one of a great positive transformation. Together, we shall demonstrate that democracies matter and democracies deliver. I count on your continued support to the India-US partnership.

When I was here in 2016, I had said that “our relationship is primed for a momentous future”. That future is today. Thank you once again Mister Speaker, Madam Vice-President and the Distinguished Members for this honour.

God Bless America.

Jai Hind.

Long Live India-US friendship.