Washington DC: Despite the hugely polarised Washington political landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit has managed to break the barriers. It will be a top draw when he holds a summit meeting on June 22 in Washington DC, Which, many believe, is a testament to a growing India-US relationship and hard work put in nurturing the partnership by India’s diplomatic establishment.
Amongst the key events, Prime Minister Modi will address the joint session of the US Congress during his state visit to the United States. The timing of the Congress address assumes significance given the prevailing divide on Capitol Hill.
In a testament to the enduring friendship between India and US, the bipartisan leadership of the US House of Representatives and the Senate has extended the invitation to PM Modi for a joint meeting of Congress on June 22, 2023.
The invitation comes as a reflection of the shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity that underpin the partnership between the two countries. The upcoming address presents an opportunity for PM Modi to outline the vision for India’s future and discuss the global challenges that both nations face.
The invitation to address US Congress serves as a reminder of the historic significance of the relationship between US and India.
Seven years ago, PM Modi had delivered a remarkable address that left a lasting impact on both nations, deepening their friendship and fostering closer ties. In that memorable speech, PM Modi emphasised the immense potential of the India-US relationship, stating, “Our relationship is primed for a momentous future. The constraints of the past are behind us, and foundations for the future are firmly in place.”
Earlier in April, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol addressed the joint session of the US Congress, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the US Congress last year in December.
PM Modi will travel to US for an official state visit from June 21 to June 24, 2023. Also on the cards during the visit is a welcome address by both President Joe Biden and PM Modi at the South Lawn of White House, which will have about 5,000 Indian-Americans gathered across the US.
A joint statement is in the works which will etch the blueprint for Indo-US relations in the years ahead, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra will be in Washington DC to discuss the final draft.
Prime Minister Modi’s delegation will include External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
