UNITED STATES: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi captivated a joint session of the United States Congress yesterday with a powerful speech that underscored the significance of India-US relations and called for strengthened cooperation on various fronts.
In his address, PM Modi emphasized the shared values of democracy, highlighted trade partnerships, and called for global collaboration to address pressing challenges. He becomes the only Prime Minister of India to have addressed the Congress twice.
Addressing the lawmakers and dignitaries at the Capitol, Prime Minister Modi began by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak before the esteemed Congress and lauding the deepening India-US ties.
He stressed that the relationship between the world’s oldest and largest democracies holds immense potential and can serve as a force for good in the world.
His statement, “In the past, there have been many advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), but at the same time, there have been even more momentous developments in AI in America and India,” drew a standing ovation from all Congress senators, including Vice President Kamla Harris.
Democracy and India
PM Modi outlined the values that India and the United States cherish, emphasizing democracy, pluralism, and individual liberty as essential pillars that unite the two nations.
He said, “Democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity.” He hailed the Indian diaspora in the United States as a testament to the strong bonds between the two countries, recognizing their contributions to both societies. He said, “There are millions here who have their roots in India, some of them sitting proudly in this chamber.”
It again brought Senate members to their feet, chanting “Modi- Modi”. He then pointed to VP Kamla Harris and said, “There is one behind me,” addressing the obvious link between the VP and India.
Trade and economic cooperation formed a crucial aspect of PM Modi’s speech. The Prime Minister acknowledged the significance of the robust trade relationship between India and the United States, calling for further expansion and diversification of trade ties.
He said that the last time he visited the US, India was the tenth largest economy in the world, and now it is the fifth, and India will be the third largest economy soon.
He emphasized the need to work towards a balanced and equitable trade partnership, fostering innovation and technology collaboration that benefits both nations.
Summarizing India’s growth
PM Modi then briefed the Congressmen on the growth of India. He said that the present government has given 40 million homes to provide shelter for 150 million people, which is six times the population of Australia. He further added that 500 million people are now covered by health insurance, which is more than the population of South America.
PM Modi reiterated the fact that India had protected its people from the COVID-19 pandemic with 2.2 billion doses of vaccines, which is more than the population of Europe.
He further elaborated on the growth of digital payments and women’s role in the development of India. He said, “Last year, out of every 100 real-time digital payments in the world, 46 happened in India.”
Addressing global challenges
Recognizing the global challenges confronting humanity, PM Modi urged India and the United States to collaborate closely on issues such as climate change, cybersecurity, and terrorism. He stressed the importance of joint efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, highlighting India’s commitment to renewable energy and its ambitious targets in this area.
PM Modi mentioned that India has grown its solar power generation capacity by a whopping 2003% and hence became the only G-20 country to meet its Paris commitment.
PM Modi expressed hope for continued partnership with the United States to address climate change and build a greener, more sustainable future.
Furthermore, PM Modi underscored the importance of a rules-based international order where nations work together to maintain peace and stability and promote a spirit of inclusivity.
He stressed that India, as a responsible global power, is committed to playing a constructive role in international affairs and fostering peaceful coexistence among nations.
He mentioned the Russia-Ukraine war as a great pain for Europe and further said that this is not the era of war but the era of dialogue and diplomacy. He concluded his speech with his own written poem, which invoked another round of applause.
The Prime Minister’s address was received with a standing ovation and the chanting of Modi-Modi, reflecting the warmth and enthusiasm that the US Congress holds for the Indian leader.
Several lawmakers commended PM Modi’s vision for the future of India-US relations and expressed optimism about the enhanced cooperation between the two nations.
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