‘Delivered a very insightful speech’.
AB Wire
US House Representatives, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA – 30th District) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), praised the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the US Congress, today.
Sherman released the following statement on Modi’s address before a joint session of Congress:
“In 2014, I led an effort of 80 of my colleagues to encourage Congressional leadership to invite Prime Minister Modi to speak before a joint session of Congress. I’m glad he was able to give that address today.
“He delivered a very insightful speech, which laid out the mutual benefits of our growing relationship with India.
“Since India’s independence in 1947, the relationship between the United States and India, while at times warm, has not always lived up to its potential. Over the last several years, it has improved markedly. I look forward to continuing that progress as Ranking Democrat on the Asia Subcommittee.
“The United States and India have a unique bond based on shared democratic values. The Prime Minister’s visit is an opportunity to build on the U.S-India strategic partnership to the benefit of both our nations.
“The Prime Minister has played an important part in improving relations on issues as varied as alternative energy development, defense and security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and climate change.
“As things stand, our current trade relationship amounts to around $110 billion. I am encouraged by Prime Minister Modi’s reform efforts and hope we can work together to make it easier for U.S. companies to export to India, and achieve the goal of a $500 billion balanced trade relationship. ”
Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, and who also serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Asia, issued the following statement:
“Madison Square Garden was electric when I first met Prime Minister Modi in 2014, and the House chamber was full of just as much energy today.
“The Prime Minister delivered a wonderful speech in his address. Using his charisma, charm, humor and wit, he highlighted the special bond shared by our two countries and once again brought the U.S.-India relationship to a new high.
“He correctly emphasized our democratic principles, global partnership, and critical cooperation on trade, security and science, as well as our shared commitment to combating terrorism.
“I thank the Prime Minister for his remarks about the sacrifices of America’s men and women and applaud the shout out he gave to the Indian American community, noting how Americans of Indian descent contribute to every sector American life. I also appreciate the Prime Minister’s reference to spelling bee champions. Arvind Mahankali, my constituent from Bayside Hills, Queens, won the national spelling bee in 2013.
“Prime Minister Modi’s speech and the warm reception and standing ovations he received illustrate just how strong the U.S.-India relationship is, and I look forward to working with him and his administration to solidify those ties even further in the months and years ahead.”