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.
