US Congress Extends Special Invitation to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation from prominent US politicians to speak before the US Congress during his scheduled visit to Washington, DC, later this month. The United States typically reserves this extraordinary chance for its closest friends.

Democratic and GOP leaders in both chambers of the US Congress informed Modi in a letter that the address, slated for June 22, would honor the two nations' lasting alliance, Al Jazeera reported.

From June 21 to June 24, Prime Minister Modi will visit the United States officially. He will be at the White House and attend a state banquet given by President Joe Biden.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted, "It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia @narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22."

It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia @narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22nd.

This will be an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and speak to the global challenges our countries both face. pic.twitter.com/gu68UjJltG
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) June 2, 2023

Speaker McCarthy also recognized the long-lasting impact of Prime Minister Modi's last speech to the US Congress seven years ago and his visit will be a great opportunity to discuss "global challenges", per WION.

US Aims To Bolster Ties with India

As part of his initiatives to further the conflict between free and authoritarian nations, especially about China, President Joe Biden is keen to forge closer connections with India, the biggest democracy in the world.

The White House renewed the invitation for a formal state visit despite worries expressed by advocacy organizations about the human rights situation under Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, underlining the significance of strengthening the cooperation, according to Reuters.

There have been specific points of contention between the United States and India. In India, there are severe problems and violations of human rights, as per the US State Department's report on the subject.

Washington has encouraged India to adopt a more assertive posture against Russia after it invaded Ukraine. Still, New Delhi's participation in military drills with Moscow and growing imports of Russian crude oil have strained relations with the US.