Leaders from the U.S. Congress have extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver a speech at a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate on June 22. This invitation is considered one of the highest honors granted by Washington to foreign dignitaries.
The letter addressed to Modi, signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, emphasizes that the speech will provide an opportunity for him to share his vision for India’s future and address the global challenges faced by both nations.
It is worth noting that this will be Modi’s second address to a joint meeting of the U.S. legislature, a distinction rarely granted to leaders, particularly considering his previous denial of a visa over concerns regarding human rights violations. President Joe Biden is keen on strengthening ties with India, the world’s largest democracy, as part of his broader efforts to promote the contest between free and autocratic societies, with China being a significant factor in this context.
While some advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the human rights situation under Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, the White House has officially invited him for a state visit. Relations between Washington and New Delhi have faced challenges due to India’s participation in military exercises with Russia and increased purchases of Russian crude oil, which indirectly support the war in Ukraine. The U.S. has been urging India to take a more punitive stance towards Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Addressing a joint meeting of Congress is typically reserved for the closest U.S. allies or notable global figures. The most recent addresses were given by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in December. Modi’s relationship with the United States has evolved over time since his visa denial in 2005 based on allegations of severe violations of religious freedom related to sectarian riots in Gujarat, which resulted in numerous deaths. However, Modi has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The letter from congressional leaders expresses that the upcoming address will celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India.
