A group of US lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle is set to travel to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Red Fort address on India’s Independence Day, August 15. The delegation is led by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Michael Waltz, who co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.
Expressing his personal connection to the event, Khanna stated that his grandfather was an advocate for India’s independence. He views this trip as a historic opportunity to strengthen the US-India relationship and plans to meet with various Indian leaders in government, business, technology, sports (cricket), and the entertainment industry (Bollywood).
Khanna emphasized that this visit will further enhance collaboration between the two nations, covering topics like environmental sustainability, digital advancement, economic partnership, defense cooperation, as well as the principles of pluralism and human rights.
During their visit, the lawmakers will attend the Red Fort event where the Prime Minister will address the nation. Additionally, they will hold meetings with leaders from business, technology, government, and the entertainment industry in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi. They will also pay a visit to Raj Ghat, a historic memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
The delegation will include lawmakers such as Deborah Ross, Kat Cammack, Shri Thanedar, Jasmine Crockett, Rich McCormick, and Ed Case. Congressman Khanna highlighted the historical significance of this journey, noting that his own grandfather had been a freedom fighter and a member of India’s first parliament.
As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Khanna and Waltz expressed their pride in leading this bipartisan delegation. They stressed the importance of strengthening economic and defense ties between the two countries, considering their status as the oldest and largest democracies. Khanna and Waltz both envision the US-India relationship as pivotal in shaping the 21st century, especially in countering any potential hegemony by China. They emphasized their commitment to upholding shared values such as democracy, press freedom, assembly rights, and human rights.
The trip builds on the efforts of Khanna and Waltz, who earlier organized a significant US-India Summit on Capitol Hill this year. The summit featured discussions and speeches from government officials, experts, and Indian-American leaders from across the United States.
