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Washington, DC – On May 24, Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-D) and Rep. Michael Waltz (FL-R,) led a letter to Speaker Kevin McCarthy urging him to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver a joint address to Congress in their capacity as co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

In the letter, Reps. Khanna and Waltz laid out the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the United States and India and the importance of highlighting the partnership by granting a joint address to Congress.

“As State Dinners have come to signify the President’s utmost respect for visiting heads of state, granting a joint address to Congress is a commensurate honor for the leader of the world’s largest democracy and perhaps the most critical partner to countering China in the 21st century,” the lawmakers wrote.

Earlier this month, Khanna and Waltz hosted a historic US-India Summit on the Hill featuring panels and remarks from government leaders, experts and Indian American leaders from across the country. 

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

The Honorable Kevin McCarthy

Speaker of the House

United States House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Speaker McCarthy,

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and U.S. – India relations, we write to you as Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans with a shared commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the United States and India. We respectfully request your consideration in inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a joint address to Congress, highlighting the significance of the U.S.-India strategic partnership and the shared values upon which it is built. On June 22, 2023, President Biden is hosting Prime Minister Modi for an Official State Visit and a State Dinner. As State Dinners have come to signify the President’s utmost respect for visiting heads of state, granting a joint address to Congress is a commensurate honor for the leader of the world’s largest democracy and perhaps the most critical partner to countering China in the 21st century.

The foundation of our partnership lies in our shared commitment to democracy and the upholding of a rules-based international system. With mutual interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity, the United States and India have forged a deep bond. The recent in-person bilateral meetings between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have reaffirmed our dedication to a resilient international order that safeguards sovereignty, upholds democratic values, and promotes peace and prosperity for all.

Furthermore, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, involving the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, has provided a platform for our countries to engage in meaningful discussions on shared regional and global security interests. The United States recognizes and supports India's emergence as a leading global power and a vital partner in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region as a place of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.

The US and India have established cooperation in various fields through dialogues like the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. These dialogues cover a wide range of areas such as space, health, energy, counterterrorism, climate action, cybersecurity, education, trade policies, defense, and counternarcotics efforts.

The strength of our strategic partnership is further amplified by the strong people-to-people ties between our nations. The four million-strong Indian American diaspora and vibrant educational exchanges between our countries exemplify the deep connection and potential for collaboration. Such ties are a tremendous source of strength and serve as a solid foundation for our strategic partnership. We believe that a joint address to Congress would provide an invaluable opportunity for members on both sides of the aisle to engage in constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest and concern.

We sincerely appreciate your attention to this matter and your unwavering dedication to serving our great nation. We firmly believe that inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver a joint address to Congress would further strengthen the deep and enduring friendship between the United States and India.

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @RepRoKhanna. 

Issues: Foreign Policy and National Security

Original source can be found here