US India Caucus makes plans for PM Modi’s Congressional speech

According to US Congressman Ro Khanna, representatives of the US ‘India Caucus’ are trying to guarantee that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the opportunity to address the US Congress. “We’re working hard to ensure that the Prime Minister has the opportunity to address the United States Congress.” “The co-chairs will request that invitation from […]

by Sagarika Gautam - April 27, 2023, 1:03 pm

According to US Congressman Ro Khanna, representatives of the US ‘India Caucus’ are trying to guarantee that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the opportunity to address the US Congress.

“We’re working hard to ensure that the Prime Minister has the opportunity to address the United States Congress.” “The co-chairs will request that invitation from the Speaker,” Ro Khanna said. According to media sources, Prime Minister Modi will pay a bilateral visit to the United States in June and July of this year. In answer to a question on the major deliverables from PM Modi’s visit to the United States, Khanna stated, “Well, as I said earlier, defence is deliverable, and the jet engines are, I believe, critical.” Immigration reform is vital, as is extending the strategic collaboration that we witnessed today. “In response to a question regarding what the two countries, India and the US, can do differently to improve their relationship, Khanna stated that the US wants to ensure that the GE Engines deal with India is completed so that they do not lose out to Europe.

He stated after the India-US Business Summit, “We need to be stronger on defence, and this is a critical time.” India has recognised that Soviet military equipment does not perform as well as it should. They recognise the Soviet Union’s shift towards China and have been receptive to developing a strong partnership with America. They want these jet engines, and the first step is to ensure that the contract is completed, hopefully before the Prime Minister’s visit.

When asked about the two countries’ economic prospects, the US Congressman stated that he believes India may emerge as Asia’s market centre.

“You see companies like Apple leaving China and expanding into India, opening Apple stores in Bangalore.” “Of course, I have encouraged companies to manufacture in the United States and restore in the United States, but if they need to sell into Asia, I have encouraged them to look to allies like India rather than China,” stated Ro Khanna. “Well, I think there’s an understanding, as Secretary Mattis pointed out, of India’s energy needs and an understanding that we need to figure out how to provide India with alternative sources of cheaper energy,” Khanna said when asked if there was bipartisan support for understanding India’s perspective on its ties with Russia. And, while I appreciate India’s clear condemnation of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, this should not be an impediment to deepening a cooperation that will last decades.”