US Congress Speech: PM Modi Calls For Action Against State Sponsors Of Terrorism

In his address to the US Congress Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that dealing with terrorism requires no hesitation or uncertainty and called for action against countries that sponsor terrorism.

The Joint Meeting was attended by Congressmen and Senators, along with hundreds of Indian Americans in the visitors gallery.

During his speech to the Joint Meeting of the US Congress, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that even after more than two decades since 9/11 and over a decade since the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, radicalism and terrorism continue to pose a significant threat to the world.

"These ideologies keep taking new identities and forms, but their intentions are the same. Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and there can be no ifs or buts in dealing with it. We must overcome all such forces sponsoring and exporting terror," he said.

In his address to the Joint Meeting of the US Congress, Prime Minister Modi hinted at China, stating that the principles of the UN Charter, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity form the basis of the global order.

PM Modi acknowledged the pain caused by the Ukraine conflict and emphasised that war is not the solution. He stated, "This is not an era of war. But, it is one of dialogue and diplomacy."

Speaking on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, PM Modi highlighted democracy as a sacred and shared value.

He further stated that democracy has taken various forms and systems throughout history, but its spirit has always supported equality and dignity. He added that democracy welcomes debate and discourse, making it a powerful idea.

"Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression. India is blessed to have such values from times immemorial. In the evolution of the democratic spirit, India is the Mother of Democracy,” he said.

PM Modi also spoke about the significance of India's 75th anniversary of independence.

He emphasised that while every milestone is important, this particular occasion held special meaning.

"We celebrated a remarkable journey of over 75 years of freedom, after a thousand years of foreign rule in one form or another," he said.

"This was not just a celebration of democracy, but also of diversity. Not just of Constitution, but also of its spirit of social empowerment. Not just of our competitive and cooperative federalism, but also of our essential unity and integrity," he added.

PM Modi also highlighted the remarkable diversity of India.

"We have over two thousand five hundred political parties. Yes, you heard that right- two thousand five hundred. About twenty different parties govern various states of India. We have twenty-two official languages and thousands of dialects, and yet, we speak in one voice," he said.

"Every hundred miles, our cuisine changes. From Dosa to Aloo Prantha and from Srikhand to Sandesh. We enjoy all of these. We are home to all faiths in the world, and we celebrate all of them. In India, diversity is a natural way of life," he added.

He also highlighted the impressive economic growth of India during the recent years.

"When I first visited the US as Prime Minister, India was the tenth largest economy in the world. Today, India is the fifth largest economy. And, India will be the third largest economy soon. We are not only growing bigger but we are also growing faster," PM Modi said.

He emphasized that as India's economy expands, it benefits the entire world due to the country's significant population representing one-sixth of the global population.

"When India grows, the whole world grows. After all, we are one sixth of the world’s population!" he said.

PM Modi also discussed India's historical influence, mentioning that the country's struggle for independence inspired other nations to break free from colonial rule.

He added," In this century, when India sets benchmarks in growth, it will inspire many other countries to do the same".

The Prime Minister provided specific examples of India's actions, such as infrastructure development, the provision of millions of homes, a national health insurance program, and financial inclusion initiatives benefiting millions of people.

PM Modi highlighted the significance of the Vedas, one of the world's oldest scriptures composed thousands of years ago. He emphasised that women sages played a key role in their composition.

"And today, in modern India, women are leading us to a better future. India’s vision is not just of development which benefits women. It is of women-led development, where women lead the journey of progress," he said.

"A woman has risen from a humble tribal background, to be our Head of State," PM Modi said, referring to Draupadi Murmu becoming President of India.

PM Modi emphasised the special significance of India's relationship with the United States in his speech.

He acknowledged the deep interest of every Member of Congress in the bilateral relations between the two nations.

PM Modi highlighted the mutual benefits of growth in defense, aerospace, and American companies in India, leading to thriving industries and research centers.

"When defence and aerospace in India grow, industries in the states of Washington, Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania thrive. When American companies grow, their research and development centres in India thrive. When Indians fly more, a single order for aircrafts creates more than a million jobs in forty four states in America," he said.

"When an American phone maker invests in India, it creates an entire ecosystem of jobs and opportunities, in both countries. When India and the US work together on semi-conductors and critical minerals, it helps the world in making supply chains more diverse, resilient and reliable," he added.