American lawmakers impressed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 8 address to Joint Session of the U.S. Congress, said it further cemented ties between the two democracies.
Senator Cory Booker, in an exclusive interview with News India Times said he was encouraged by Modi’s “spirit of generosity” toward the U.S. In his speech June 8, Modi dwelt on the history of America saying it was founded on the pillars of freedom and democracy; he praised its spirit of innovation, its role in developing India’s food security and building some of that country’s premier institutions of higher learning; he noted the American Constitution was the inspiration for B.R. Ambedkar, considered the father of the Indian Constitution. Modi also praised the U.S. Congress for supporting India and in growing the bilateral relationship.
Sitting front and center in the packed House on Capitol Hill, Booker said he found Modi “warm, engaging, and humorous.”
“Overall, his speech went over really, really well and helped strengthen ties with the country and Congress. He was the skilled statesman,” Booker said. He conceded however, that the concerns over religious freedom were not addressed by Modi in his speech.
Prior to Modi’s three-day visit to the U.S. June 6-8, several U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about alleged human rights violations relating to religious minorities, women and slave labor in India. At a recent Congressional hearing, some expressed their displeasure over these issues to Assistant Secretary of State for South And Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal.
“He (Modi) did address issues of terrorism, economic cooperation, the need to work together. He did not speak at all about issues of religious intolerance,” Booker noted, yet complimented the Prime Minister for doing “a good job of advancing the alliance.”
Several other lawmakers expressed similar sentiments. Rep. Ami Bera, D-California, the only Indian-American in Congress, took pride in playing a key role as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus of India and Indian-Americans, in getting Modi to address the Joint Session, a rare honor for heads of state. “As the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy, our countries have much to gain by working together to strengthen our economies and our national defense through mutual cooperation,” Bera said in a statement after Modi’s speech.
“I was pleased to hear from Prime Minister Modi … his vision for the next chapter in U.S.-India relations” Rep. Joe Crowley, D- New York, whose constituency is home to a significant number of Indian-Americans, said in a statement. Crowley is vice-chair of the Democratic Caucus and a former chair of the India Caucus. “I believe that a strong U.S.-India relationship should and will serve as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in decades ahead,” he added. He echoed Modi’s views that the two countries could be a transformational force in meeting global challenges, such as climate change, fighting terrorism, and ensuring regional stability.
“The Prime Minister delivered a wonderful speech in his address,” said Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, in a statement. “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.”
Senator Booker echoed these sentiments. “What he did, which is so important for diplomacy, was making Congress feel comfortable with him,” Booker said. “Obviously he is a diplomat who understands our nation and our interconnectedness.”
Booker, who said he has a “deep reverence” for India and its various cultures, has a picture of Mahatma Gandhi hanging on his office wall, and a copy of the Bhagwat Geeta in his office. He keeps a statue of Ganesh in his apartment in Washington, D.C., and said he feels a close connection with India.
“India is a great nation. Indian Americans are making extraordinary contributions to American life, advancing science and technology, business …,” Booker said. Describing India as a “strategic ally” Booker said, “This is an indispensable relationship.”
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