'ERA OF A(MERICA) I(NDIA)'

Addressing a joint session of the US Congress, Modi says the two nations will shape global future

- Prashant Jha

Even as there had been advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in the last seven years since he addressed the US Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared there had been even more momentous developments in another AI — America-India ties — terming his visit a moment of “great positive transformation” and the deepening of the India-US partnership, the “calling of this century”.

“We are united by a common vision. And, by a common destiny. When our partnership progresses, economic resilience increases, innovation grows, science flourishes, knowledge advances, humanity benefits, our seas and skies are safer, democracy will shine brighter, and the world will be a better place… Together, we shall demonstrate that democracies matter and democracies deliver,” Modi told a joint meeting of Senate and the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill on Thursday evening eastern time.

In a speech marked by humour (including good-natured digs at the partisan battles that mark the operation of the US Congress) and a spirit of positivity, Modi showcased India’s recent economic dynamism, social welfare, technological embrace and global contributions, including on climate, using the platform to present New Delhi’s achievements to a powerful audience that wields enormous influence in determining American foreign policy.