PM Modi's State Visit To US Sparks Call For Address To Joint Session Of Congress

United States Congressmen Ro Khanna and Michael Waltz on Tuesday (23 May) wrote a letter to US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, urging him to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver an address to a joint session of the Congress on his first state visit to the US.

Khanna and Waltz, who co-chair the influential bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, wrote the letter to the US House Speaker as Prime Minister Modi will visit the US on 22 June.

PM Modi will be in the US at invitation of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

"We respectfully request your consideration in inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a joint address to Congress, highlighting the significance of the US-India strategic partnership and the shared values upon which it is built," the letter co-written by Khanna and Waltz, and addressed to McCarthy, read.

According to the White House, PM Modi's visit to the US is an opportunity for both the countries to reaffirm the deep, close bilateral partnership.

PM Modi's visit to the US is a chance for both countries to strengthen their already close relationship, according to the White House.

Khanna and Waltz further wrote, "As State Dinners have come to signify the President's utmost respect for visiting heads of state, granting a joint address to Congress is a commensurate honour for the leader of the world's largest democracy and perhaps the most critical partner to countering China in the 21st century".

The Press Secretary of the White House has mentioned that the US-India visit will improve their commitment towards a secure Indo-Pacific and evaluate technology partnerships in defence, clean energy, and space.

Khanna and Waltz wrote that a joint address to Congress is equivalent to the honor shown by State Dinners, indicating the President's high regard for visiting heads of state. They added that this is a fitting tribute to the leader of the world's largest democracy, and a vital partner in countering China in this century.

The US-India partnership is based on shared commitments to democracy and upholding a rules-based international system, according to the letter.

In the letter, it was stated that the US and India share an interest in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.

The recent bilateral meetings between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have strengthened their commitment to a resilient international order that respects sovereignty, democratic values, and promotes peace and prosperity for all, it added.

"Furthermore, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, involving the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, has provided a platform for our countries to engage in meaningful discussions on shared regional and global security interests," the letter reads.

"The United States recognizes and supports India's emergence as a leading global power and a vital partner in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region as a place of peace, stability, and growing prosperity," it added.

The letter further stressed that the strategic partnership between the US and India is strengthened by their people-to-people ties.

"The four million-strong Indian American diaspora and vibrant educational exchanges between our countries exemplify the deep connection and potential for collaboration. Such ties are a tremendous source of strength and serve as a solid foundation for our strategic partnership. We believe that a joint address to Congress would provide an invaluable opportunity for members on both sides of the aisle to engage in constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest and concern," Khanna, Waltz wrote in the letter, reports ANI.

"We firmly believe that inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver a joint address to Congress would further strengthen the deep and enduring friendship between the United States and India," the letter read.