Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by the leaders of the US Congress on Friday (June 2) to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate on June 22, news agency Reuters reported. As per the report, it is one of the highest honours bestowed upon foreign dignitaries by Washington. PM Modi previously addressed a joint session of the US Congress in 2016.
"During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India's future as well as speak to the global challenges that our countries both face," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote to PM Modi, Reuters reported.
They stated that the speech would honour the long-standing friendship between the United States and India.
PM Modi is scheduled to make a state visit to Washington DC later this month. The visit has been planned for months, with Indian officials planning Modi's first state visit during the Biden administration, the report said.
"President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023," the announcement said, adding that the visit will "affirm the two countries' deep and close partnership" and people-to-people ties.
The visit was confirmed by the government, which stated that it would highlight the "growing importance" of the bilateral relationship.
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