Washington: The US Congress has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver a speech at a combined House of Representatives and Senate gathering during his upcoming visit to the nation on June 22. This information was revealed in a statement released by the US Congress.
In a letter addressed to Modi, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed their anticipation for the Prime Minister’s address. They emphasized that this would allow him to outline his vision for India’s future and address the global challenges faced by both countries.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden extended the invitation to PM Modi, leading to his scheduled visit to the United States on June 22.
The letter also acknowledged the significant impact of Modi’s previous historic speech at a Joint Meeting of Congress, greatly enhancing the friendship and bonds between the two nations.
Quoting from PM Modi’s previous address, the letter highlighted the promising prospects for the relationship between the United States and India. It stated, “Our relationship is poised for a momentous future. The restrictions of the past are behind us, and the foundations for the future are solidly in place.”
Expressing their deep honor, the letter extended an invitation for Modi once again to join them for a Joint Meeting of Congress to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India. The letter emphasized the commitment to continued collaboration in building a brighter future for both countries and the world.
In the meantime, the White House underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States presents an opportunity to reaffirm the profound and close partnership between the two nations.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre emphasized the significance of PM Modi’s visit, stating that it will reaffirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the strong familial and friendship ties that connect Americans and Indians. This aspect holds great importance for President Biden.
Pierre further mentioned that President Biden and the First Lady eagerly anticipate welcoming Prime Minister Modi for the official state visit on June 22.
The visit is expected to strengthen the shared commitment between the United States and India toward a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. It will also provide an opportunity to assess strategic technology partnerships, including defence, clean energy, and space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is only the third leader in history to receive an invitation to address a joint House of Representatives and Senate meeting. The other distinguished figures who have been granted this honor were the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill (in the context of World War II), and the former President of Africa, Nelson Mandela.
The Senate India Caucus, a bipartisan coalition, promotes relations between the United States and India.
As the date approaches, there will be background calls, and further information and details will be provided, according to Karine Jean Pierre.
Highlighting the partnership between the United States and India, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, recently expressed enthusiasm for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.