Am deeply honoured by the invitation
to address this joint meeting of the US Congress. Thank you Mr Speaker for
opening the doors of this magnificent capital. This temple of democracy has
encouraged and empowered other democracies the world over. It manifests the
spirit of this great nation which is in Abraham Lincoln's words was conceived
in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. In granting me this opportunity, you
have honoured the world's largest democracy and its 1.25 billion people. As a
representative of the world's largest democracy, it is indeed a privilege to
speak to the leaders of its oldest.
HONORING DEMOCRACY
Mr Speaker, two days ago I began my
visit by going to Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of many
brave soldiers of this great land. I honour their courage and sacrifice for the
ideals of freedom and democracy. It was also the 72nd anniversary of the D-Day.
On that day, thousands from this great country fought to protect the torch of
liberty. They sacrificed their lives so that the world lives in freedom. I applaud, India applauds the great
sacrifices of the men and women from the land of the free and the home of the
brave in service of mankind. [PM Modi applauds the Congress with claps]
India knows what this means, because
our soldiers have fallen in distant battlefields for the same ideals. That is
why the threads of freedom and liberty form a strong bond between our two
democracies.
Mr Speaker, our nations may have been
shaped by diverse histories, cultures and faiths, yet our belief in democracy
for our nations and our liberty for our countrymen is common. The idea that all
citizens are created equal is the central pillar of the American constitution.
Our founding fathers too shared the same belief and sought individual liberty
for every citizen of India. There were many who doubted India as a newly
independent nation. We reposed our faith in democracy.
DEMOCRACY AS ESSENCE OF SOUL
Indeed, wagers were made on our
future. But the people of India did not waiver. Our founders created a modern
nation with freedom, democracy and equality as the essence of its soul,
and in doing so we they assured that we continue to celebrate our age old
diversity. Today, across its individuals and institutions, and in its villages
and cities, in streets and states, are anchored in equal respect for all
faiths. And in the melody of hundreds of its languages and dialects, India
lives as one, India grows as one, India celebrates as one.
Mr Speaker, modern India is in its
70th year. 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.
Eight hundred million of my
countrymen may exercise the freedom of franchise once every five years, but all
the 1.25 billion of our citizens have freedom from fear - a freedom they
exercise every moment of their lives.
Distinguished members, engagement
between our two 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 Vivekanand to embrace humanity, was most
famously delivered in Chicago. Gandhi's non-violence inspired the heroism of
Martin Luther King.
Today, a mere distance of three miles
separates Martin Luther King Memorial at Tidal Basin from the statue of Gandhi
at Massachusetts Avenue. This proximity of memorials in Washington mirrors the
closeness of the ideas and values they believed in. The genius of Dr Bhimrao
Babasaheb Ambedkar was nurtured in the years he spent at the Columbia
University a century ago. The impact of US constitution on him was reflected in
his drafting of the Indian constitution some three decades later.
SIMILAR IDEALISM
Our independence was ignited by the
same idealism that fuelled your struggle for freedom. No wonder then, the
former prime minister of India Atal Bihari Vajapyee called India and US natural
allies. No wonder that the shared ideals and common philosophy of freedom
shaped the bedrock of our ties. No wonder that President Obama has called our
partnership - the defining partnership of 21st century.
Mr Speaker, more than 15 years ago
Prime Minister Vajapayee 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. Through the
cycle of elections and transition of administrations, the intensity of
engagements has only grown, and in this exciting journey the US Congress has
acted as it compass. You have helped us turn barriers into bridges of
partnership.
In the Fall of 2008, when the
Congress passed the India-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, it changed
the very colours of leaves of our relationship. We thank you for being there
when the partnership needed you the most. You have also stood by us in times of
sorrow. India will never forget the solidarity shown by the US Congress when
terrorists from across our border attacked Mumbai in November of 2008. And for
this, we are grateful.
Mr Speaker, I am informed that the
working of the US Congress is harmonious. 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 Upper House.
So, as you can see, we have many shared practices.
EMBRACING PARTNERSHIP
Mr Speaker, this country knows well
that every journey has its pioneers. The genius of Norman Borlaug brought the
Green Revolution and food security to my country. The excellence of American
universities nurtured institutions of technology and management in India. And I
could go on, but fast forward to the present.
The embrace of our partnership extend
to the totality of human endeavour. From the depths of the oceans to the
vastness of space, our science and technology collaboration continues to help
us in cracking the age old problems in the fields of education, public health,
food and agriculture. Ties of commerce and investment are flourishing. We trade
more with the US than with any other nation.
The flow of good services and capital
between us generates jobs in both our societies. As in trade, so in defence.
Indian army performs exercises with the US more than any other partner. Defence
purchases have moved from almost zero to $10 billion in less than a decade. Out
cooperation also secures our cities and citizens from terrorists and protects
our critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Civil nuclear cooperation, as I
told President Obama yesterday, is a reality.
Mr Speaker, our people to people
links are strong and there is a close personal connect between our societies.
Siri, you are familiar with the Siri, tells us that India's ancient heritage of
Yoga has over 30 million practitioners in the US. It is estimated that more
Americans bend for Yoga than to throw a curve ball. No Mr Speaker, we have not
yet claimed intellectual property right on Yoga.
Connecting our two nations is also a
unique and dynamic bridge of 3 million Indian Americans. Today, they are among
your best CEOs, academics, astronauts, scientists, economists, doctors and even
spelling bee champions.
They are your strength. They are also
the pride of India. They symbolise the best of both of our societies. Mr
Speaker, my understanding of great country began long before I entered
public office. Long before assuming office, I travelled coast to coast covering
more than 25 states of America. I realised then that the real strength of the
US was in the dreams of its people and the boldness of their ambitions. Today,
Mr Speaker, a similar spirit animates India. Over 800 million youth are
especially impatient (sic).
AMBITIOUS TO-DO LIST
India is undergoing a profound social
and economic change. A billion of its citizens are politically empowered. My
dream is to economically empower them through many social and economical
transformations. And do so by 2022 - the 75th anniversary of India's
independence. My to-do list is long and ambitious. But you will understand it
includes a vibrant and rural economy with a robust farming sector.
A roof over each head and electricity
for all households. To train and make millions of our youth skilled, build 100
smart cities, have broadband for a billion and connect our villages to the
digital world. And create a 21st century rail, road and port infrastructure.
These are not just aspirations but goals to be reached in a finite time frame,
and to be achieved with light carbon footprint and greater emphasis on
renewables.
×
Mr Speaker, in every sector of
India's forward march, I see the US as an indispensible partner. 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. As US businesses search for new areas of economic
growth, markets for their goods, a pool of skilled resources and a global
location to produce and manufacture, India could be their ideal partner.
India's strong economy and growth
rate of 7.6 per cent per annum is creating new opportunities for our mutual
prosperity. Transformative American technologies in India, and growing
investment by Indian companies in the United States, both have a positive
impact on the lives of our citizens. Today, for the global research and
development centres India is the destination of choice for the US companies.
Looking eastward from India, across the Pacific, the innovation strength of our
two countries comes together in California.
WE CAN MAKE DIFFERENCE
Here the innovative genius of America
and India's intellectual creativity are working to shape new industries of the
future. Mr. Speaker, the 21st century has brought with it great opportunities,
but it has also come with its own set of challenges. While some parts of the
world are islands of growing economic prosperity, others are mad in conflicts.
In Asia, the absence of an agreed
security architecture creates uncertainty. Threads 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.
It is war of multiple transitions and
economic opportunities, growing uncertainties and political complexities,
existing threats and new challenges. our engagements can make a difference by
promoting, cooperation not dominance, connectivity not isolation, including not
excluding mechanisms, respect for global commons and above all for
international rules and norms.
India is already assuming her
responsibilities in securing the Indian ocean region,. a strong India-US
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-links of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas.
But the effectiveness of our
co-operation would increase if international institutions frame with the
mindset of the 21st century where they reflect the reality of today. Mr.
speaker, before arriving in Washington D.C., I had visited Herat in western
Afghanistan to inaugurate Afghan-India friendship dam built with Indian
assistance. I was also there on the Christmas day last year to dedicate
to that proud nation its parliament , a testimony to our democratic ties.
Afghans naturally recognise that the
sacrifices of America have helped create a better life. But your contribution
in keeping the region safe and secure is deeply appreciated by even beyond and
India too has made an enormous contribution and sacrifices to support our
friendship with afghan people. A commitment to re-build a peaceful and stable
and prosperous Afghanistan is our sad objective.
LET'S FIGHT TERRORISM
It distinguished members not just in
Afghanistan but elsewhere in south Asian and, globally terrorism remains the
biggest threat. In the territory stretching from the west of India's border to
Africa form different names from Lashkar-e-Taiba to Taliban to ISIS but its
philosophy is common of hate, murder and violence.
Although, it is a shadow spreading
across the world, it is intimated in India's neighbourhood. I commend the
members of US congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and
practice terrorism for political gains. Refusing the war is the first step to
our holding them accountable for their actions.
The fight against terrorism has to be
fought at many levels and the traditional tools of military intelligence or
diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight. Mr. speaker, we have both
lost civilians and soldiers in combating terrorism. The need of the hour is for
us to deepen our security cooperation and base it on a policy that isolates
those who harbour and support and sponsor terrorist.
That does not distinguish between
good and bad terrorist and that de-links religion from terrorism. Also for us
to succeed, those who believe in humanity must come together to fight for each
and one and speak against this menace in one voice.
Terrorism must be delegitimized. Mr.
Speaker, the benefits of our partnership extend not just to the nation and
regions that need it the most. On our own, and by combating our capacities we
are also responding to other global challenges today when disaster strikes and
when humanitarian relief is needed. Far from our shores, we have evacuated
thousands from Yemen, Americans, Indians and others.
Near our homes, we have the first
responders during Nepal earthquake, Maldives water crisis and most recently
during the landslide in Sri Lanka. We are also one of the largest contributors
of tools to the UN peacekeeping operations. Often India and the US have
combined their strengths in science and technology and innovation to help fight
hunger, poverty, disease and literacy in different parts of the world. The
success of our partnerships has also opened up new opportunities for lowering
(39:42) security and developing from Asia to Africa.
BALANCING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
GREENER TOMORROW
And the protection of environment and
caring for the planet in central for our shared vision of a just world. For us
in India, to live in harmony with mother earth is a part of our ancient belief
and to take from nature only what is most essential is a part of our Indian
culture. Our partnership therefore aims to balance responsibilities with
capability and it also focuses on the new ways to increase the availability and
use of renewable energy.
A strong US support for our
initiative to form an international solar alliance is one such effort. We are
working together not just for better future for ourselves, but for the whole world.
This has also been the goal of our efforts in G20, east-Asia summits and
climate change summits.
Mr. speaker, as we deepen our
partnership, there will be times when we will have differing perspectives. But
since our interests and concerns converge, the autonomy in decision making and
diversity in our perspectives can only add values to our partnership.
So as we embark on a new journey and
set new goals, let us focus not just on routine matters but also transform all
areas. Ideas which can focus not just on creating waves but also creating
values for our societies. Not just on immediate gains but also long term
benefits.
Not just on solving best practices
but also shaping partnerships and not just on building a bright future of our
people but in being a bridge to a more united human and prosperous world and
important for the success of this journey would be a need to view it with new
eyes with new sensitivities.
When we do this, we will realise the
full promise of this extraordinary relations. Mr. speaker, in my final words
and thoughts, let me emphasize that our relationship is prime for a momentous
future. The constraints of the past are behind us and the foundations of the
future are in place.
In the lines of Walt Whitman, the
orchestra has sufficiently tuned their instruments, the baton has given the
signal and to that, if I might add, there is a new symphony in play.
