We appreciate Speaker McCarthy’s invitation for PM Modi to address the joint session of Congress: Ro Khanna
The invitation from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint session of the US Congress during his official state visit later this month has been warmly received by Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna.
One of the rare international leaders who has been asked to speak the joint session two or more times is Modi, who previously spoke to a joint session of the US Congress on June 8, 2016.
Both Benjamin Netanyahu and Winston Churchill have three times each addressed Congress: in 1996, 2011, and 2015. Israel’s Yitzhak Rabin and South Africa’s Nelson Mandela both twice addressed joint meetings of Congress.
Khanna, co-chair of the India Caucus, said PTI in an interview, “I am pleased that Speaker McCarthy listened to the suggestion of the India Caucus and has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of India to address the joint session of Congress.”
The prime minister was asked to address the joint session of the US Congress by Khanna and his Republican co-chair of the India Caucus after President Biden stated on June 22 that he had extended an official invitation to Modi for a state visit.
Following that, Khanna met with McCarthy, who gave him the assurance that they were working on it.
McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries all signed the invitation letter, which stated, “On behalf of the bipartisan leadership of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, it is our honour to invite you to address a Joint Meeting of Congress Thursday, June 22, 2023.”
The connection between our two nations keeps expanding as a result of our shared values and dedication to world peace and prosperity. You will have the chance to discuss the global problems our two nations confront as well as your vision for India’s future during your talk, they said.
“Seven years ago, you made a historic speech to a joint session of Congress that had a lasting effect and significantly reinforced the bond between the US and India. We are poised for a historic future in our partnership, as you said in your speech. The limitations of the past are gone, and the basis for the future is solid.
The letter said, “We look forward to laying the foundation for increased cooperation between our nations in the years to come.
“Once again, it would be a privilege to have you attend a joint meeting of Congress to salute the longstanding relationship between the United States and India. The Congressional leaders said, “We look forward to continuing to work together to create a better future for our nations and for the globe.
Rajiv Gandhi was the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the US Congress on June 13, 1985. PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Manmohan Singh then spoke on May 18, 1994, September 14, 2000, and July 19, 2005, respectively.
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a video message that the legislators are eager to welcome Modi to speak at the joint session of the US House of Representatives and US Senate.
“We anticipate furthering the development of our working partnership. We’re interested in hearing your opinions on how you lead on the international stage. Therefore, on behalf of all of us in the United States of America, we are looking forward to saying hello to you and welcoming you back. Jackson said, “Thank you, Prime Minister Modi.
