Schumer says India-US ties crucial for world economy

Meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visits religious sites in Delhi

Leading a congressional delegation to New Delhi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says “strong US-India relationship is a must for democracy, technology advancement, and a strong world economy.”

Schumer met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to discuss what he called “the growing US-India relationship and the common interests that unite the two largest democracies in the world.”

Read: Key US lawmakers advocate stronger India-US ties (September 24, 2022)

He was joined by fellow Democratic Senators Ron Wyden, Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner and Catherine Cortez Masto among others.

“In our meeting with Prime Minister Modi, we stressed that close ties between our two countries would be a crucial counterweight to outcompete China and responding to its authoritarianism,” Schumer stated.

“We need nations such as India, the world’s largest democracy, to work with us to strengthen democracies in Asia and around the globe. India is one of the leading powers of the world and a strong US-India relationship is a must for democracy, technology advancement, and a strong world economy.”

Modi “welcomed the Congressional delegation to India and appreciated the consistent and bipartisan support of the US Congress for deepening India-US bilateral ties,” according to an official Indian statement.

“Prime Minister referred to his recent phone call with President Joseph Biden and the shared vision of the two leaders for further elevating India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership to address contemporary global challenges.”

“Prime Minister and the US delegation recognized the shared democratic values, robust bilateral cooperation, strong people-to-people ties and the vibrant Indian community in the US as strong pillars anchoring the bilateral strategic partnership,” the release added.

Read: Modi-Biden summit will strengthen India-US ties: White House (September 21, 2021)

“Wonderful to interact with US Congressional delegation led by Senate Majority Leader @SenSchumer,” Modi tweeted. “Appreciate the strong bipartisan support from the US Congress for deepening India-US ties anchored in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties.

Schumer also visited various religious sites in New Delhi this week. In keeping with India’s diversity, he visited a Sikh gurdwara, one of India’s largest mosques, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Baptist Church.

“I had the honor of visiting the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in New Delhi, which commemorates the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji,” Schumer wrote.

“In alignment with the Guru’s teachings of equality and service, a 24-hour free kitchen on the premises serves those in need and provides them with shelter.”

During his visit to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, Schumer said “I was honored to learn about the extensive history of India’s Muslim community from the Imam’s son.”

“The Masjid was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan to be the main center of worship for the newly founded city, and the Delhi Muslim community continues to gather there for weekly prayers,” he noted.

Read: Schumer in India stresses economic ties as ‘crucial counterweight’ to China (February 20, 2023)

“Gauri Shankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is 800-years old, making it one of Delhi’s oldest Hindu temples,” Schumer stated. “I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about Hindu deities, values and rituals, and to make my own offering with flowers.”

He also visited Central Baptist Church, one of the oldest Christian missions in Northern India. “I spoke with the church’s pastor and learned about India’s diverse Christian society,” Schumer said noting, “Since Urdu was the language of the original inhabitants in Old Delhi, sermons and ceremonies are performed entirely in Urdu at the Church.”