New Delhi: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi had been expected to receive the honor of addressing a joint session of the US Congress during a visit to Washington in September.
California Republican Ed Royce, chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote to House Speaker John Boehner on Friday and asked that he invite Modi to address a joint session of the House and Senate during his trip.
The letter said, “In every aspect – whether it is in political, economic or security relations – the United States has no more important partner in South Asia. It is not an overstatement to say that the US-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”
Office of Boehner did not immediately announce a response to the letter, which was also signed by North Carolina Republican Representative George Holding. Congressional aides said they expected an invitation would be issued to the Indian leader.
The United States, which sees India as a natural ally and potential counterbalance to China in Asia, is eager to expand business and security cooperation with the Modi government.
Bureau Report
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