Modi, US lawmakers highlight strong people-to-people ties

Highlighting shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law and strong people-to-people ties, a visiting US Congressional delegation called on Prime Minister Narendra in New Delhi Wednesday and discussed advancing bilateral relations.

The delegation led by Ro Khanna and Mike Waltz, Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the bipartisan India Caucus, included Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar and five other US House members — Ed Case, Kat Cammack, Deborah Ross, Jasmine Crockett, and Rich McCormick.

Welcoming the delegation to India, Modi conveyed his appreciation for the consistent and bipartisan support of the US Congress for India-US relations, according to an official press release.

The Prime Minister fondly recalled his historic State Visit to the US in June at the invitation of President Joe Biden during which he had an opportunity to address a Joint Session of the US Congress for a second time.

Modi and the US delegation highlighted that the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is based on shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties, the release stated.

“Narendra Modi@narendramodi
Glad to receive a Congressional delegation from US, including co-chairs of India Caucus in the House of Representatives, Rep. @RoKhanna and Rep. @michaelgwaltz,” Modi tweeted.

“Strong bipartisan support from the US Congress is instrumental in further elevating India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” he wrote.

The Congressional delegation discussed ways to further expand India-US global strategic partnership in a separate meeting Wednesday with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

“A good interaction with US Congressional delegation today. Glad they could join as we celebrated #IndependenceDay. Discussed the transformation underway in India, especially its outcomes of better governance,” Jaishankar wrote on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.

“Shared our aspirations and expectations for Amritkaal. Also exchanged views on our advancing bilateral partnership. Shared perspectives on the global situation and our collaboration on multilateral, regional and global issues,” he added.

The American lawmakers also attended the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort where the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag on Tuesday.

“I am happy that elected members of the US Congress are present here today on the occasion of our celebration,” Modi noted during his Independence Day address.

Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in the House of Representatives, has also met leaders of the civic society, Bollywood superstars, including Amitabh Bachchan, and the opposition leaders in New Delhi and Mumbai.

“I was honored to visit Raj Ghat on India’s Independence Day to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, one of the world’s greatest leaders. I also had the chance to lead our delegation at the Red Fort,” Khanna posted on X.