Washington: Aware of the letter by 57 US Congressmen and 18 Senators accusing his government of suppressing democratic voices back home, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dished out a lesson on democracy to the Americans during his speech at a Joint Sitting of the US Congress at the Capitol Hill, on June 22. 2023. The words “democracy”, “democracies”, “democratise” and “democratic” together figured 19 times in his speech.
“The beauty of democracy is the constant connect with the people, to listen to them, and feel their pulse,” he said and then added: “Being a citizen of a vibrant democracy myself, I can admit one thing Mister Speaker – you have a tough job! I can relate to the battles of passion, persuasion and policy. I can understand the debate of ideas and ideology. But I am delighted to see you come together today, to celebrate the bond between the world’s two great democracies – India and the United States.”
Thereafter, Modi emphasised that “Democracy is one of our sacred and shared values”. He continued in the same spirit: “Democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity. Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse. Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression. India is blessed to have such values from times immemorial. In the evolution of the democratic spirit, India is the Mother of Democracy. Millennia ago, our oldest scriptures said, ‘एकम् सत् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति’. It means – the truth is one but the wise express it in different ways. Now, the US is the oldest and India the largest democracy. Our partnership augurs well for the future of democracy. “
Modi went on to state that last year when India celebrated 75 years of its independence, “This was not just a celebration of democracy, but also of diversity”. He then said, “Everyone wants to understand India’s development, democracy and diversity… Among close friends, I am happy to share the same”.
The Prime Minister told the US lawmakers about over two thousand five hundred political parties in India – “Yes, you heard that right- two thousand five hundred”. Then he pointed out that about twenty different parties govern various states of India. “A spirit of democracy, inclusion and sustainability defines us. It also shapes our outlook on the world,” he averred. While agreeing with US President Joe Biden that this is a defining partnership of this century, he explained that this is because it serves a larger purpose. “Democracy, demography and destiny give us that purpose,” he said.
Modi described the over-concentration of supply chains as a consequence of globalisation, and then declared, “We will work together to diversify, decentralize, and democratise supply chains”. He added: “When our partnership progresses…democracy will shine brighter…Together, we shall demonstrate that democracies matter and democracies deliver.
Modi addressed the Joint Sitting of the US Congress at the invitation of Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the US House of Representatives; Charles Schumer, Senate Majority Leader; Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Leader; and Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader.
Kamala Harris, Vice President of USA was also present on the occasion.
In his address, Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for the long-standing and strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening of India-US relations. He spoke about the rapid strides made in India-US bilateral relations and shared his vision for elevating bilateral ties. He also outlined the progress made by India and the opportunities that it presents for the world.
Speaker McCarthy hosted a reception in honour of the Prime Minister. This was Modi’s second address to the Joint Sitting of the US Congress. He previously addressed the US Congress during his official visit to the USA in September 2016.
– global bihari bureau
