Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said life in India will be “easier” now after the launch of the country’s seventh navigation satellite that is expected to provide navigation with much better accuracy and targeted position. United States will be in the throes of the presidential election during Modi’s visit, with the California primaries, scheduled for June 7, the day Modi is scheduled to arrive. He called the U.S.-India relationship a “pillar of stability” in an important region of the world.
Advertisement
It’s a stark reversal from the days when Modi was barred from entering the United States over his handling of anti-Muslim riots in 2002 when he was chief minister of the Indian state in which they took place. He will also be the fifth Indian PM to address the joint session of Congress, a tradition that dates back to 1824, when Marquis de Lafayette of France spoke in the House chamber.
“Our partnership in areas such as defence, nuclear power, renewable energy and space exploration is very strong, thanks to our many shared values”. The Prime Minister’s office has confirmed his Kerala visit to the party state leadership.
“I’m pleased that Speaker Ryan has granted my request”, said Congressman Ami Bera, the only Indian-American in the current Congress. “Our efforts will not only help India but can help fellow Saarc nations as well”.
Ryan, who had recently been approached by top lawmakers of both parties on this score, told reporters on Thursday that he has extended the invitation to the Prime Minister, terming it “a special opportunity to hear from the elected leader of the world’s most populous democracy”.
Advertisement
Ryan has invited Modi as the first foreign dignitary after being appointed as the Speaker of the House.
