By Sanjay Kumar
Excitement is building up in the USA for the transformational visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mike Lawler, a senior member of the House of Representatives, struck an upbeat note on the visit, saying that he is looking forward to “welcoming the leader of the world’s largest republic” in his own country and hearing his address to the joint session of the US Congress.
At the invitation of Congressional Leaders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy and Speaker of the Senate Charles Schumer, Prime Minister will address a Joint Sitting of the U.S. Congress on June 22.
On June 23, the Prime Minister will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by Kamala Harris, Vice President and Antony Bilnken, Secretary of State.
In addition to the official engagements, Modi is scheduled to have several curated interactions with leading CEOs, professionals, and other stakeholders. He will also meet members of the Indian Diaspora.
“I am delighted that Honorable Prime Minister of India Narendramodi will be paying a historic State Visit to the United States next week”, Mr Lawler said in a video message on Twitter.
“The US-India partnership is one of the most defining and consequential partnerships of the 21st century. Jai Hind! And God Bless America!” said the US Representative.
“The United States and India have an important strategic partnership and a special bond shaped by our mutual commitment to global peace and prosperity”, said Mr Lawler.
The US lawmaker also recalled PM Modi’s trip to the US in 2016 which he said was “ critical to strengthen the India-American partnership” and underlined that the India- US relationship is futuristic. “As Prime Minister Modi said in his 2016 visit to DC, our relationship is primed for a momentous future”,” said Mr Lawler. “It is critical that we strengthen the Indo-American partnership as we work together to advance our mutual interests and our shared commitment to democracy”.
“As India celebrates its 75th year of independence, we join with the people of India in celebrating the success of the world’s largest democracy,” he said.
Modi will be on a four-day state visit to the US from June 21 to 24. In his action- packed trip, PM Modi will be addressing the joint session of the US Congress, the only Indian prime minister to do it for the second time. He will also address the Indian diaspora in Washington besides meeting people and professionals from different backgrounds.
The visit will commence in New York, where PM Modi will lead the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations Headquarters on June 21. In December 2014, the UN General Assembly had adopted a resolution proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
Modi thereafter travels to Washington D.C., where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22, and meet President Biden to continue their high-level dialogue. President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will host a State Dinner in honor of the Prime Minister the same evening.
Importance of Indian-Americans
Mr Lawler also spoke about the importance of Indian-Americans in the US and their contribution to the nation.
“I’m very proud to represent one of the most diverse congressional districts in the country with a thriving Indian American population. Our immigrant populations have deeply enriched our community, and the contributions made by Indian Americans to the Hudson Valley have been substantial”, Mr Lawler said.
“It is crucial that we continue to strengthen our partnership with India as we work in tandem to advance the cause of freedom that has so deeply enriched both of our nations. Prime Minister Modi, thank you for making this historic trip. My colleagues and I anxiously await your address to Congress”, he added.
Another Congressman Shri Thanedar, an Indo- American, also said that he is looking forward to Modi’s visit. “I look forward to the Prime Minister’s visit and stronger United States and India ties,” Mr Thanedar said in a video message which was uploaded by the US embassy in India on its official social media page. He said that “it’s in the best interest of the two counties for us to collaborate on commerce, education, and manufacturing, among a whole lot of other issues”.
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