India's Modi tells Congress that U.S. is 'indispensable' partner
WASHINGTON — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday that the United States is "an indispensable partner" in creating a stronger, more prosperous India that is in the best interest of both nations.
"As the U.S. businesses search for new areas of economic growth, markets for their goods, a pool of skilled resources, and global locations to produce and manufacture, India could be their ideal partner," said Modi, who represents the world's most populous democracy and fastest-growing major economy. "India's strong economy, and growth rate of 7.6 percent per annum, is creating new opportunities for our mutual prosperity."
Modi, who was interrupted frequently with enthusiastic applause from lawmakers, also urged Congress to work more closely with India to combat the terrorists that threaten both countries.
"Those who believe in humanity must come together to fight for it as one, and speak against this menace in one voice," he said. "Terrorism must be delegitimized."
The 65-year-old leader, who rose from a childhood of poverty to become prime minister in 2014, was invited to address Congress by House Speaker Paul Ryan. Modi is the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address Congress. The last to do so was Manmohan Singh in 2005.
Modi met with President Obama on Tuesday and with congressional leaders on Wednesday in an effort to strengthen progress between the U.S. and India on economic, renewable energy, climate change, security, and trade issues. India trades more with the U.S. than it does with any other nation.
Both nations also share concerns about China's growing military clout, especially that nation's apparent construction of military installations in disputed territory in the South China Sea.
"As the oldest and largest democracies, the U.S. and India have a special relationship," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., who asked Ryan to invite Modi to speak. "Our partnership on such issues as defense, nuclear power, renewable energy and space exploration is very strong. And I am confident that Prime Minister Modi’s address will provide new momentum for additional progress."
Modi is not without his critics on Capitol Hill.
When Modi served as chief minister of the eastern Indian state of Gujarat, religious riots left 1,000 people dead, most of them Muslims. Modi, who is Hindu, was accused of encouraging the killings, allegations he has strongly denied. He was barred from entering the U.S. over the issue before becoming prime minister.
On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of 18 House members, led by Reps. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., and Betty McCollum, D-Minn., wrote to Ryan urging him to prioritize religious freedom in India during his meeting with Modi on Wednesday. The lawmakers cited ongoing violence and harassment against religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Sikhs.
"As we consider the shared values of the United States and India, due attention to the fundamental human right of religious freedom is of the utmost importance," Franks said. "Religious minority communities in India have endured incidents of harassment, discrimination, intimidation and violent attacks for decades, often with little hope for justice. It is my sincere hope that every person in India will experience true freedom of faith, regardless of religion."