May 23, 2023
2 mins read

Indian Caucus wants Modi to address US Congress

If House Speakerdoes and Modi accepts the invitation, the latter will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of US Congress twice…writes Yaswant Raj

The bipartisan leadership of an India-focused group of US lawmakers of the House of Representatives have called for extending an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint session of Congress during his upcoming state visit in June at the invitation of President Joe Biden.

“On June 22, 2023, President Biden is hosting Prime Minister Modi for an Official State Visit and a State Dinner. As State Dinners have come to signify the President’s utmost respect for visiting heads of state, granting a joint address to Congress is a commensurate honour for the leader of the world’s largest democracy and perhaps the most critical partner to countering China in the 21st century,” Representatives Ro Khanna, a Democrat, and James Waltz, a Republican, wrote in a joint letter on Tuesday to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

“We firmly believe that inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver a joint address to Congress would further strengthen the deep and enduring friendship between the US and India,” they added in the letter.

There were no indications if Speaker McCarthy, a Republican, will agree. If he does and Modi accepts the invitation, the latter will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of US Congress twice. The first was in June 2016, in which he sought to project a new energy for the bilateral relationship with the two sides overcoming “the hesitations of history”.

Biden has invited Modi for a state visit in June, the two sides announced earlier this month, with a state dinner at the White House as well.

The last Indian Prime Minister who was given a state dinner was Manmohan Singh; he was hosted by President Barack Obama. Singh was also the first foreign leader given a state dinner in Obama’s presidency.

A state dinner is a rare gesture and signals a special relationship, which India and the US have to come to share over the last decade or so, going back several administrations and governments on both sides.

Khanna and Waltz, who are co-chairs of the India Caucus in the House of Representatives, invoke this special relationship to request the US Speaker to invite Modi.

“The foundation of our partnership lies in our shared commitment to democracy and the upholding of a rules-based international system,” they write in the letter, adding, “With mutual interests in promoting global security, stability and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity, the US and India have forged a deep bond. The recent in-person bilateral meetings between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have reaffirmed our dedication to a resilient international order that safeguards sovereignty, upholds democratic values, and promotes peace and prosperity for all.”

ALSO READ: Modi thanks Albanese for ‘Little India’

Previous Story

Tanishq to showcase exquisite range of gold and diamond jewellery

Next Story

Rift among EU defence ministers over new military aid to Ukraine

Latest from -Top News

India opens world’s highest rail bridge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir and flagged off the much-awaited Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar, marking a historic moment

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural communities The United Arab Emirates and Egypt reaffirmed their strong

‘UAE leads global fight against plastic waste’

UAE accelerates its fight against plastic pollution with a bold single-use plastic ban and expanded environmental policies to safeguard natural ecosystems for future generations The United Arab Emirates continues to lead the

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, the

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the sun blazed overhead and temperatures climbed to a sweltering 41°C,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Nijjar’s Murder: Trudeau Doubles Down on Indian Agent Claims

Canada has accused India of involvement in the killing of

US Senator seeks hearing on TikTok related national security concerns

On Tuesday, the Republican-led House passed a resolution along bipartisan