Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation

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Salient points of PM Modi’s address to the Joint Session of U.S. Congress

  • Our nations may have been shaped by differing histories, cultures, and faiths.Yet, our belief in democracy for our nations and liberty for our countrymen is common.
  • The idea that all citizens are created equal is a central pillar of the American constitution.Our founding fathers too shared the same belief and sought individual liberty for every citizen of India.
  • India lives as one; India grows as one; India celebrates as one.
  • 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.
  • Engagement between our democracies has been visible in the manner in which our thinkers impacted one another, and shaped the course of our societies.
  • Thoreau’s idea of civil disobedience influenced our political thoughts.And, similarly the call by the great sage of India Swami Vivekananda to embrace humanity was most famously delivered in Chicago.
  • Gandhi’s non-violence inspired the heroism of Martin Luther King.
  • More than fifteen years ago, Prime Minister of India, AtalBihari Vajpayee stood here and gave a call to step out of the ‘shadow of hesitation’ of the past.The pages of our friendship since then tell a remarkable story.Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history.
  • Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversations.
  • I am informed that the working of the U.S. 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.
  • 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 S&T collaboration continues to helps 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 U.S. than with any other nation.
  • Our cooperation also secures our cities and citizens from terrorists, and protects our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
  • Our people to people links are strong; and there is close cultural connect between our societies.
  • India’s ancient heritage of Yoga has over 30 million practitioners in the U.S.A.It is estimated that more Americans bend for yoga than to throw a curve ball.And, no Mr. Speaker, we have not yet claimed intellectual property right on Yoga.
  • India is undergoing a profound social and economic change.A billion of its citizens are already politically empowered.My dream is to economically empower them through many social and economic transformations.And, do so by 2022, the seventy-fifth anniversary of India’s independence.My to-do list is long and ambitious. But you will understand.It includes:
    • A vibrant rural economy with robust farm sector;
    • A roof over each head and electricity to all households;
    • To skill millions of our youth;
    • Build 100 smart cities;
    • Have a broad band for a billion, and connect our villages to the digital world;
    • And create a twenty-first century rail, road and port infrastructure.
  • Many of you also believe that a stronger and prosperous India is in America’s strategic interest.Let us work together to convert shared ideals into practical cooperation.There can be no doubt that in advancing this relationship, both nations stand to gain in great measure.
  • India’s strong economy, and growth rate of 7.6% per annum, is creating new opportunities for our mutual prosperity.
  • In Asia, the absence of an agreed security architecture creates uncertainty.Threats of terror are expanding, and new challenges are emerging in cyber and outer-space.And, global institutions conceived in 20th century, seem unable to cope with new challenges or take on new responsibilities.
  • In this world full of multiple transitions and economic opportunities; growing uncertainties and political complexities; existing threats and new challenges; our engagement can make a difference by promoting:
    • Cooperation not dominance;
    • Connectivity not isolation;
    • Respect for Global Commons;
    • Inclusive not exclusive mechanisms; and above all
    • Adherence to international rules and norms.
  • India is already assuming her responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region.A strong India-U.S. partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific.It can also help ensure security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas.But, the effectiveness of our cooperation would increase if international institutions framed with the mindset of the 20th century were to reflect the realities of today.
  • As we deepen our partnership, there would be times when we would have differing perspectives.But, since our interests and concerns converge, the autonomy in decision making and diversity in our perspectives can only add value to our partnership.So, as we embark on a new journey, and seek new goals, let us focus not just on matters routine but transformational ideas.Ideas which can focus:
    • Not just on creating wealth but also creating value for our societies;
    • Not just on immediate gains but also long term benefits;
    • Not just on sharing best practices but also shaping partnerships; and
    • Not just on building a bright future for our peoples, but in being a bridge to a more united, humane and prosperous world.
  • The constraints of the past are behind us and foundations of the future are firmly in place.In the lines of Walt Whitman,“The Orchestra have sufficiently tuned their instruments, the baton has given the signal.”And to that, if I might add, there is a new symphony in play.

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