Washington DC – Top US lawmakers have invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Congress during his visit to Washington, DC later this month – a rare opportunity given only to the country’s closest allies.
The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives announced the invitation in a letter to Modi on Friday, saying the June 22 speech would celebrate the “enduring friendship” between the two countries.
“Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow,” the letter said.
“During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India’s future and address the global challenges facing our countries.”
This is the second time Modi has addressed a joint session of Congress, after he gave a speech to US lawmakers in 2016.
I am honored to be invited @PMOIndia@narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22.
This is an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and address the global challenges facing our countries. pic.twitter.com/gu68UjJltG
– Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) June 2, 2023
Modi’s visit to the US comes amid intensifying competition between Washington and Beijing, and as India – now the world’s largest country by population – emerges as a major geopolitical and economic power.
US officials have often hailed New Delhi as an important ally in the Asia-Pacific region, where Beijing’s policies – including its claims in the South China Sea – have drawn increasing criticism from Washington.
The White House announced Modi’s trip last month, saying President Joe Biden would host him to “affirm the deep and close partnership” between the two countries.
“The visit will reinforce our two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared determination to enhance our strategic partnership in technology, including defense , clean energy, and space,” it said in a statement on May 10.
The Biden administration has deepened ties with India in recent years; It strengthened the so-called Quad alliance, which also includes Australia and Japan, and created a formal partnership with the countries of South Asia, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, called I2U2.
But Modi’s US critics have called on Washington to do more to counter his nationalist policies, which they say harm India’s minorities, especially Muslims.
A State Department report on religious freedom last month noted allegations of “violence by law enforcement authorities against members of religious minorities in several states”, including the beating of men who Muslim and demolitions of houses and shops owned by Muslims in India.
“We will continue to speak directly with our partners and counterparts in India about these concerns,” a senior US official told reporters on condition of anonymity before the report was released.
“We continue to urge the government to condemn the violence and hold accountable … all groups that engage in rhetoric that harms religious minorities and all groups that engage in violence against religious communities. “
India rejects US accusations of religious freedom violations.
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), an advocacy group, last month expressed disappointment over calls for Modi to address the Congress.
“Failure to note Modi’s violent, anti-minority, authoritarian tendencies, and his corrupt management of the Indian economy, is not only an ignorance of the US government’s own findings but a strategic mistake which has the potential to harm global stability,” the group said. in a statement.
Modi has also faced criticism over accusations of a crackdown on political opponents in the country.
Earlier this year, opposition figure Rahul Gandhi was expelled from the country’s parliament after he was convicted of defaming Modi’s home state of Gujarat in connection with a statement on the 2019 campaign trail that was seen as an insult. of the prime minister.
