Prime Minister Speech at US Congress
'This temple of democracy has encouraged
and empowered other democracies world over.' As a representative of world's
largest democracy, it's a privilege to speak to the leaders of its oldest. India
applauds the great sacrifices of the men & women from 'The Land of the Free
and the Home of the Brave' in service of mankind. India knows what this means,
because our soldiers have fallen in distant battlefields for the same ideals.
PM quotes President Lincoln, applauds
spirit of America, dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we
reposed our faith in democracy, he says
'Our founders created a modern nation with
freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul.’ Our founders
created a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of
its soul.
Today, India lives as one; India grows as
one; India celebrates as one. Prime Minister Modi recalls Swami Vivekananda's
famous Chicago address. Today, a mere distance of three miles separates Martin
Luther King Jr. and Gandhi at Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Modi goes on to say how
B.R. Ambedkar was inspired by the U.S. Constitution.
Mr. Vajpayee called India and the U.S. as
'natural allies'. Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of
history. Comfort, candour, and convergence define our conversations.
'We thank you for being there when the
partnership was needed the most. India will never forget when US showed
solidarity from terrorists attacked Mumbai in 2008.'
In a lighter vein, Mr. Modi says I am told
the working of US Congress is harmonious.
Mr. Speaker, I am also told you are known
for bipartisanship. "You are not alone," he adds. The genius of Norman
Borlaug brought the Green Revolution and food security to India.
Our science and technology collaboration
helps us cracking the age-old problems in public health, education and
agriculture.
We trade more with US than any other nation.
Defence purchases is now more than $10 billion in a decade. there are over 30
million practitioners of Yoga in the US. Yet, you don't claim intellectual
property rights on Yoga, Mr. Modi says.
Modi talks about Indian-Americans. They are
among your best CEOs; academics; scientists; economists; doctors; even spelling
bee champions I have travelled coast-to-coast, covering more than 25 states of
America. I realised the real strength of the nation lies in the dreams of
people.
India's people are already
politically-empowered. I want them to be economically-empowered too by 2022,
the 75th anniversary of Independence.
Modi says he hopes to reach his goals with
lighter carbon footprint and relying on renewables. The Hoouse cheers.
Stronger India is in US' strategic
interest, says Modi
In every sector of India's march, I see
U.S. as an indispensable partner. Let us work together to convert ideals into
practical cooperation. Cooperation, not dominance. Connectivity not isolations.
India is already responsibilities in the
Indian Ocean Region. The effectiveness of our cooperation would increase if
international institutions were to reflect the realities of today.
Modi talks about India's aide to
Afghanistan. Afghans naturally recognise that the sacrifice of America have
helped in getting a better life, he says.
Modi talks about terrorism being
"nurtured by the neighbour". Although it's shadow is spreading across
the world, terrorism is incubated in India's neighbourhood. Globally, terrorism
remains the biggest threat, going by different names, but with the common
philosophy of hate, murder and violence. I commend the members of the US
Congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism
for political gains.
Modi talks about Indian Army's role at the
time of natural diasaters and peacekeeping operations. Modi narrates Indio-US
alliance in international forumns, including A strong US support for our
initiative to form an international solar alliance. For us in India, to live in
harmony with mother earth is a part of our ancient belief.
PM calls for transformational ideas in India-US
ties to realise the full promise of this extraordinary relationship. Our
relationship is prime for a momentous future. The constraints of past are
behind us and foundations of the future firmly in place.
'The Orchestra have sufficiently tuned
their instruments, the baton has given the signal. And there is a new symphony
in play.'
