PM Modi’s address reverberates in the hall of US Congress, sparks enthusiastic ‘Modi Modi’ chants
Gratitude to India
Expressing his gratitude, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the honor bestowed upon him and extended his appreciation to the 1.4 billion people of India for their support. He said, “It is always a great honor to address the US Congress. It is an exceptional privilege to do so twice. For this honor, I extend my deepest gratitude to the 1.4 billion people of India.” Celebrating Democracy
Modi commended the US Congress for coming together to celebrate the bonds between two great democracies, India and the United States. He said, “I can relate to the battles of patience, persuasion, and policy. I can understand the debate of ideas and ideology. But I am delighted to see you come together to celebrate the bonds between two great democracies – India and the United States.”
“The foundation of America was inspired by the vision of a nation of equal people…There are millions here who have roots in India, some of them sit proudly in this chamber and there is one behind me,” he said.
Democracy is one of our sacred and shared values. Throughout history, one thing has been clear, democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity. Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse. Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression. India is blessed to have such values from time immemorial. India is the mother of democracy, PM said.”I am told that the ‘samosa caucas’ is now the flavour of the House. I hope it brings full diversity of Indian culture here,” said PM Modi referring to US Vice President Kamala Harris at a joint session of the US Congress.“We pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. We remember many others who worked for liberty, equality and justice,” PM added.
Amrit Kaal
Highlighting India’s vibrant democracy, unity in diversity, and commitment to inclusive development, Prime Minister Modi showcased initiatives like infrastructure improvements and providing homes for millions. He stated, “Last year India celebrated 75 years of independence. Every milestone is important but this one was special. We celebrated a remarkable journey of our 75 years of freedom after a thousand years of foreign rule in one form or another. This was not just a celebration of democracy but also of diversity.”
“India is the home to all faiths in the world and we celebrate all of them. In India, diversity is a natural way of life, today the world wants to know more and more about India” he added.
AI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the momentous development in the realm of AI that has emerged from the partnership between these two nations. He said, “In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI – Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there have been even more momentous developments in another AI – America and India.”
Women Empowerment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the significant role that women play in shaping a better future for modern India. He highlighted India’s vision of not just development that benefits women but a women-led development, where women lead the journey of progress. PM Modi acknowledged the remarkable achievements of women, exemplifying this with the inspiring story of president of India Draupadi Murmu who rose from a humble tribal background to become the Head of State.
“Today in modern India, women are leading us to a better future. India’s vision is not just of development that benefits women. It is of women-led development where women lead the journey of progress. A woman has risen from a humble tribal background to be our Head of State…,” PM Modi said.
Sustainable Development
Modi emphasized India’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, mentioning initiatives such as meeting the Paris Agreement commitments and promoting renewable energy sources. He said, “We became the only G20 country to meet its Paris commitment. We made renewables account for over 40% of our energy sources 9 years ahead of the target of 2030. But we did not stop there. At the Glasgow Summit, I proposed mission LiFE…Our mission is pro-planet progress, pro-planet prosperity, pro-planet people.”
Call for Collaboration
PM Modi emphasised the need for a strong partnership between India and the United States in addressing the challenges of the 21st century, ranging from economic growth to technological advancements.
“Today, the United States has become one of our most important defence partners. Today, India and the US are working together in space and in the seas, in science and in semiconductors, in startups and sustainability, in tech and in trade, in farming and finance, in art and Artificial Intelligence,” PM said.
“Every Indian PM and American President of the past has taken our relationship further but our generation has the honour of taking it to greater heights. I agree with President Biden that this is a defining partnership because it serves a larger purpose,” he said.
“Our vision is ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas’. We are focussing on infrastructure developments. We have given nearly 14 million homes to provide shelter to over 150 million people, which is nearly 6 times the population of Australia,” he added.
Strengthening Global Alliances
PM Modi underscored the importance of multilateralism and called for reforming global institutions to better reflect the changing world, emphasising India and the United States’ joint efforts in shaping a new world order based on international law.
“We live by the motto of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’-the world is one family. Our engagement with the world is for everyone’s benefit. The same spirit is also seen in the theme when we chair the G20 Summit, One Earth, One Family, One Future. Last week, all nations joined our proposal at the UN, to build a memorial wall to honour the peacekeepers. This year the whole world is celebrating the International Year of Millets, to promote sustainable agriculture: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the joint sitting of the US Congress,” he said.
Countering Terrorism
Modi addressed the ongoing threat of terrorism and radicalism, stressing the need for collective action to prevent bloodshed and human suffering, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We must revive multilateralism and reform multilateral institutions with better resources and representation that applies to all our global institutions of governance, especially the UN. When the world has changed, our institutions too must change or risk getting replaced by a world of rivalries without rules. In working for a new world order based on international law, our two countries will be at the forefront as partners,” said PM Modi.
“This is not an era of war but it is one of dialogue and diplomacy and we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering. The stability of the Indo-Pacific region has become one of the central concerns of our partnership. We share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. More than 2 decades after the 9/11 attacks and more than a decade after 26/11 in Mumbai, terrorism and radicalism still remain a danger for the whole world,” he added.
Uniting Cultures
PM Modi referenced the cultural diversity between India and the United States, highlighting the contributions of Indian-Americans and the significance of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and friendship.
A Vision for the Future
PM Modi expressed optimism about the future of the India-US relationship, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including defence, space, technology, trade, and the fight against climate change.
“When I was here in 2016, I said that our relationship is prime for a momentous future, that future is today,” he said.
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