Published On : Wed, Jun 8th, 2016

India-US ties stretch from ocean to space: PM Modi to US Congress

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India Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledges applause as he arrives to address a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 8, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria - RTSGLNU

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledges applause as he arrives to address a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 8, 2016

Hailing the India-US partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed a joint session of the United States Congress.

Here are a few excerpts from his speech:-

– In granting me this opportunity, you have honoured the world’s largest democracy and its 1.25 billion people

– Constitution is our real holy book; freedom of faith, speech, franchise & equality of all citizens are fundamental rights

– India applauds great sacrifices of the men and women from ‘The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’ in service of mankind

– There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we reposed our faith in democracy

– This temple of democracy has encouraged and empowered other democracies the world over

– US-India partnership can help ensure security of sea lanes and freedom of navigation

– The genius of Dr BR Ambedkar was nurtured in the years he spent at the Columbia University a century ago

– Gandhi’s non-violence inspired the heroism of Martin Luther King

– You are well-known for your bipartisanship. I have also witnessed a similar spirit in Indian Parliament, especially in Upper House

– Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour, and convergence define our conversations

‘US Congress a temple of democracy’ says Modi:

PM Modi addresses US Congress, says this temple of democracy has encouraged & empowered other democracies the world over.

“US Congress leaders give a rousing welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi This temple of democracy has empowered and encouraged other democracies of the world,” PM Modi said at US Congress.

“As representative of world’s largest democracy, it is indeed a privilege to speak to the leaders of the oldest,” the PM stated.

“India applauds great sacrifices of men and women from ‘The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’ in service of mankind.”

“There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we reposed our faith in democracy,” the PM reminisced.

“But Our founders created a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul,” PM Modi

‘Gandhi’s non-violence inspired King’s heroism’:

“Today, India lives as one,India grows as one and India celebrates as one: PM Modi at US Congress,” the PM said.

“Mahatma Gandhi’s non violence inspired Martin Luther King’s heroism,” he stated.

“Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee called India and the US, ‘natural allies’: PM Modi at US Congress,” the PM said speaking of the nonagenarian former PM’s contributions to the India-US relations.

Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history:

“The genius of Baba Saheb Ambedkar was nurtured in the years he spent at the Columbia University a century ago,” PM Modi stated.

“No wonder then, that President Obama has called our ties the defining partnership of the 21st century,” said PM Modi.

“India will never forget the solidarity shown by US Congress when terrorists from across our border attacked Mumbai in 2008,” PM Modi said.

“We trade more with the US than with any other nation,” PM Modi said at US Congress.

 PM Modi takes dig at Opposition back home during US Congress address:

Taking a dig at the Congress and the Opposition at large, the prime minister said, “You are well-known for your bipartisanship.I also witnessed similar spirit in Indian Parliament, especially in Upper House.”