USA, 23rd June 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the US Congress on Thursday for about an hour. During the address he covered a wide range of topics. His speech was received incredibly well by Members of the US Congress, including Vice President Kamala Harris who applauded and gave a standing ovation several times to the Indian PM.
He spoke to the Indian American diaspora while also emphasising to the US political class about the importance of their contributions.
He said, “Throughout your history, the Foundation of America has been inspired by the vision of a nation of equal people, you have welcomed individuals from all over the world and made them equal partners in the American Dream…there are millions here with Indian ancestry. Some of them are seated with pride in this room and there is one who made history behind me.”
Modi made a point of emphasising democratic values, something about which he has been questioned, particularly in the United States, which is also similar confronting issues. He also homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. for their contributions to “liberty, equality, and justice.”
He said, “Democracy is one of our most sacred and universal values. It has evolved over time and has taken on numerous types of systems. However, one thing has been constant throughout history: democracy is the spirit that promotes equality and dignity.”
He further added, “Democracy is an idea that encourages debate and dialogue, and democracy is a culture that gives thoughts and speech wings. Since time immemorial, India has been gifted with such values. India is the mother of democracy in the formation of the democratic spirit.”
Among other topics, PM Modi lauded the digitalisation in India. He said that the younger generation is contributing towards making India a ‘Technology Hub’.
He stated, “If you visit India, you will see that everyone, including street vendors, use phones to make payments. Last year, 46 of the world’s 100 Real Time digital payments occurred in India.”
Further the PM spoke about the Ukraine conflict, flagged terrorism as a major concern and also drew attention subtly to the invasion of China on the US soil.
Lastly the PM commented on the partnership between the United States and India.
He said, “We are bound together by a shared vision and destiny. As our collaboration expands, economic resilience grows, innovation grows, science flourishes, knowledge advances, and humanity benefits. Our oceans and skies will be safer, democracy will be more visible, and the world will be a better place. That is the goal of our collaboration. That is our century-long call.”
