India-US relationship has overcome hesitations of history: PM Modi in US Congress
08 June, Washington
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said India- US relationship has overcome the hesitations of history and comfort, candour, and convergence define conversations between the two countries.
He said the embrace of both nations partnership extends to the entirety of human endeavour from depths of the oceans to vastness of the space.
Prime Minister addressed joint session of US Congress in Washington this evening to a packed house which applauded his address continuously. He said this cooperation secures both countries’ cities and citizens from terrorists and protects critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
He said his dream is to economically empower billion of Indian citizens through many social and economic transformations and New Delhi sees Washington as an indispensable partner in this direction.
He added a stronger and prosperous India is in America’s strategic interest. Modi said the ties of commerce and investment between the two nations are flourishing and India trades more with the U.S. than with any other nation.
The Prime Minister said India’s strong economy and growth rate of 7.6 percent, is creating new opportunities for mutual prosperities. He said a strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity, and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
On the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister said those who believe in humanity must come together as one and speak against this menace in one voice. He said terrorism must be delegitimized.
He said globally, terrorism remains the biggest threat, going by different names, but with the common philosophy of hate, murder and violence.
Modi said the terrorism is incubated in India’s neighbourhood and US Congress must send a clear message to those who preach terrorism for political gains.
Modi said the Indian Constitution is real holy book of his government and freedom of faith, speech, franchise and equality of all citizens are fundamental rights.
In his address Modi mentioned Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Swami Vivekanand, B R Ambedkar and Norman Borlaug.