During his address to the joint session of the US Congress, Prime Minister Modi touched upon a wide range of themes, including the Ukraine war, terrorism, women’s empowerment, and environmental concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome as he delivered a speech to Congress, highlighting the growing ties and shared ambitions between the United States and India. This rare address to a joint meeting of Congress coincided with a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, an honor typically reserved for the closest U.S. allies.
Addressing the lawmakers, Modi expressed his appreciation for the strong bond between the two great democracies and emphasized the significance of their partnership in shaping the current century. He echoed President Biden’s belief that the India-U.S. alliance is a defining partnership, driven by the common values of democracy, demography, and destiny.
Despite some criticism from U.S. lawmakers and advocates regarding human rights issues and India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, leaders from both major political parties in the United States, as well as the Biden administration, recognize India’s importance as a crucial ally. They view India as instrumental in Washington’s foreign policy objectives, including countering the rise of China and collaborating on defense, technology, and energy matters.
Modi’s visit occurred amidst escalating tensions between the United States and China, with the Indo-Pacific region being a key concern for both nations. Addressing Congress, Modi emphasized the stability of the region and stressed the shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. His remarks regarding the United States becoming one of India’s most important defense partners garnered a standing ovation from lawmakers.
During the speech, Modi also acknowledged the significant presence of Americans of Indian origin, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who was seated with him on the dais. Several Indian American members of Congress, such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, were in attendance, highlighting the diverse representation and strong ties between the two nations.
While some progressive lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Cori Bush, and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, boycotted the speech, citing concerns about human rights and freedom of the press, Modi addressed these criticisms during a joint news conference with President Biden, brushing them aside and focusing on the positive aspects of the U.S.-India relationship.
Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s address to Congress underscored the deepening partnership and shared interests between the United States and India, reaffirming their commitment to a strong and long-term relationship.