Prime Minister Narendra Modi today engaged in a crucial dialogue with a bipartisan United States Congressional delegation led by Congressman Michael McCaul. The delegation, which includes former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, visited India to strengthen the strategic partnership and discuss mutual interests.
The US delegation’s visit commenced with a meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala. Reflecting on this significant interaction, Pelosi posted on X, “Today, it was my honor to join a bipartisan Congressional delegation to meet with His Holiness, the 14th @DalaiLama, in Dharamsala, India. In our meeting, we strongly reaffirmed Congressional support for the people of Tibet.”
The delegation’s visit underscores the commitment of the US Congress to the strategic and democratic partnership between India and the United States. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the delegation’s visit, highlighting the importance of continuous engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During their stay, the US lawmakers also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Minister Jaishankar appreciated the delegation’s unwavering support for India-US relations. He expressed his gratitude on X, saying, “Pleasure to meet with the bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by @RepMcCaul. Thank @SpeakerPelosi, @RepGregoryMeeks, @RepMMM, @NMalliotakis, @RepBera, and @RepMcGovern for joining. Appreciate their strong and continued support for the strategic partnership.”
The Congressional delegation, which arrived in India on Tuesday, was received by officials of the Central Tibetan Administration at Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Airport. Their immediate travel to Dharamshala to meet the Dalai Lama highlights the international community’s ongoing concern for Tibetan autonomy and human rights.
In a symbolic gesture, Congressman McCaul presented the Dalai Lama with a framed copy of ‘The Resolve Tibet Act.’ This bipartisan bill, passed by the US Congress, aims to enhance US support for Tibet and urges Beijing to re-engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to resolve the long-standing dispute over Tibet’s status and governance.
The US Congressional delegation’s engagements in India, particularly their discussions with Prime Minister Modi and other key Indian officials, reflect a shared vision for a robust and dynamic bilateral relationship. Topics such as regional security, economic cooperation, and the promotion of democratic values were central to their discussions, reinforcing the strategic alignment between the two nations.
This visit not only reaffirms the deep-rooted ties between India and the United States but also highlights the importance of legislative diplomacy in addressing global challenges. As both countries continue to navigate a complex international landscape, the support and solidarity demonstrated by the US Congress are pivotal in shaping the future trajectory of India-US relations.
With the visit concluding, the emphasis now shifts to implementing the insights and agreements reached during these high-level meetings, ensuring that the partnership between the world’s largest democracies continues to thrive and contribute to global peace and stability.