“Mr Speaker, Modern India is in its 70th year. For my government, the Constitution is its real holy book. And, in that holy book, freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental rights,” said Modi in his address to the US Congress.
The Indian Prime Minister concluded a rather fruitful 5-nation tour that took him across Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, US and Mexico. All the host embraced a similar tone; one of affability. The fifth Indian PM to address the US Congress, Modi spoke on issues ranging from climate change to terrorism, defence and security cooperation to trade and economic relationship. In true Modi style, he kept his audience captivated, and garnered around 10 standing ovations with his impeccable speech.
Invited to Capitol Hill by House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, Indian PM was nothing short of a rock star, walking across the room as the present Congressmen cheered and rooted for him. “In granting me this opportunity, you have honoured the world's largest democracy and its 1.25 billion people. As a representative of the world's largest democracy, it is indeed a privilege to speak to the leaders of its oldest,” Modi said. It was a source of pride for all Indians to watch their leader address the Americans in his trademark colloquial speech as he promised a better future for both the countries. Modi kept on winging and the Assembly kept on cheering. He made wisecracks, he made points to ponder on, he even made digs at his Parliament back home. “I am informed that the working of the US Congress is harmonious. I am also told that you are well-known for your bipartisanship. Well, you are not alone. Time and again, I have also witnessed a similar spirit in the Indian Parliament, especially in our Upper House. So, as you can see, we have many shared practices,” he said to loud laughter and applause.
NaMo commended bilateral relations between India and the US, paving way for more. “The embrace of our partnership extends to the entirety of human endeavour – from the depths of the oceans to the vastness of the space. Our Science & Technology collaboration continues to help us in cracking the age-old problems in the fields of public health, education, food and agriculture. Ties of commerce and investment are flourishing. We trade more with the US than with any other nation. And, the flow of goods, services and capital between us generates jobs in both our societies. As in trade, so in defence. India exercises with the United States more than we do with any other partner. Defence purchases have moved from almost zero to 10 billion dollars in less than a decade.”
As he kept his audience on the edge, the longest standing ovation came when he mentioned the “3 million dynamic Indian Americans”. The Indian American guests who were in attendance for a glimpse of Modi, got more than expected. “Connecting our two nations is also a unique and dynamic bridge of three million Indian Americans. Today, they are among your best CEOs, academics, astronauts, scientists, economists, doctors, even Spelling Bee champions. They are your strength. They are also the pride of India.” The PM nailed the bull right there.
Modi's pitch hit all the right chords for all the right reasons.
(See comment on Page 3 and for full script visit our website http://www.asian-voice.com/)
