Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint sitting of US Congress on Wednesday. He became the fifth Indian PM to do so.
In the course of his 45-minute speech, he covered all major aspects of the growing relationship between India and the US, particularly strategic ties and civil nuclear cooperation, and emphasised that the two countries should leave "constraints of the past" behind as the "foundations of the future are firmly in place".
PM Modi also talked about terrorism and said that it had to be fought with "one voice" as he commended the American Parliament for sending out a clear message by refusing to "reward" those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains, an apparent reference to the blocking of sale of 8 F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
At the same time he said that terrorism was being "incubated in India's neighbourhood".
Dressed in trademark white kurta pyjama and grey-coloured half-jacket, Modi was warmly received by the American lawmakers who interrupted his address more than 40 times to cheer him, a few times by standing.
Following is how the American media reacted to PM Modi's speech -
The New York Times - US and India mark a new moment in relations as Narendra Modi speaks to Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India condemned global terrorism and said during a lengthy address to Congress on Wednesday that growing economic ties benefit both his country and the United States. Mr Modi made clear that he intended the speech to hail a new moment in relations between the United States and India when he told Congress at the outset that he had started his visit to Washington with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. Indian leaders have long been skeptical of American military power and have often been deeply critical of the Vietnam War and other military interventions by the United States. Celebrating American war dead, though, was a telling signal of what both sides say is a very different relationship between the two countries. Mr Modi has encouraged a continued American military presence in Afghanistan because he is worried that Pakistan will have unchallenged influence there once the Americans leave...
The Washington Post - Modi to Congress: India, US can anchor stability in Asia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the US Congress on Wednesday that the world’s two largest democracies can anchor stability and prosperity from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific in an aspirational speech that glossed over continuing divisions in the relationship. Modi, who has ushered in closer bilateral ties since taking power two years ago, said that India and the US have overcome “the hesitations of history” and called for ever-stronger economic and defense links between the two countries. Speaking in English, Modi used dashes of humor, drawing a parallel between the rough-and-tumble politics of his own nation and the US, which he described tongue-in-cheek as “harmonious” and well-known for bi-partisanship...
USA Today - India's Modi tells Congress that US is 'indispensable' partner
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday that the United States is "an indispensable partner" in creating a stronger, more prosperous India that is in the best interest of both nations. Modi, who was interrupted frequently with enthusiastic applause from lawmakers, also urged Congress to work more closely with India to combat the terrorists that threaten both countries...
Chicago Tribune - Modi to Congress: India, US can anchor stability in Asia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the US Congress on Wednesday that the world's two largest democracies can anchor stability and prosperity from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific in an aspirational speech that glossed over continuing divisions in the relationship. Modi, who has ushered in closer bilateral ties since taking power two years ago, said that India and the US have overcome "the hesitations of history" and called for ever-stronger economic and defense links between the two countries. Speaking in English, Modi used dashes of humor, drawing a parallel between the rough-and-tumble politics of his own nation and the US, which he described tongue-in-cheek as "harmonious" and well-known for bipartisanship. Modi, a keen advocate of yoga, also referenced cultural ties, citing estimates that "more Americans bend for yoga than to throw a curve ball." Modi's 46-minute speech followed years of being shunned in the US because of religious violence in his home state. It came a day after a White House meeting with PresidentBarack Obama and was followed by a lunch with congressional leaders and a reception hosted by the House and Senate Foreign Affairs committees...
The Wall Street Journal - India’s Narendra Modi emphasises security ties in address to congress
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi charted a course for strong defense and counterterrorism ties with the US, sharing his vision in a warm address to American lawmakers that appeared geared toward maintaining close cooperation with Washingtonin future US administrations... Washington has worked carefully for years to advance defense ties with New Delhi as China grows increasingly assertive in Asia. Such strategic cooperation accelerated in the latter part of the Obama administration after Mr Modi was elected prime minister in 2014... Mr Modi won loud applause with allusions to American figures ranging from Martin Luther King Jr and Walt Whitman to Abraham Lincoln, and the prime minister even joked about the partisan split of the lawmakers before him...
