New Delhi: A visiting US Congressional delegation that met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, described India-US relations as "most consequential" and also lauded the "scale, fairness and transparency" of the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.
PM Modi also highlighted the significant role played by the consistent and bipartisan support of the US Congress in advancing India-US ties as the seven-member US Congressional delegation led by Rep Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on him in New Delhi.
"Had a very good exchange of views with friends from the US Congress in a delegation led by Rep McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Deeply value the strong bipartisan support in advancing India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.
Asserting that the relationship between the two countries was based on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and strong people-to-people ties, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations for global good.
The delegation members, which also included Rep Nancy Pelosi, Rep Gregory Meeks, Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep Nicole Malliotakis, Rep Amerish Babulal 'Ami Bera' and Rep Jim McGovern, congratulated PM Modi on his election for the historic third-consecutive term.
"The delegation described India-US relations as the most consequential one and expressed their strong support for further deepening Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership in all areas, including trade, new and emerging technology, Defence, people to people exchanges," said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). "They expressed deep appreciation for the scale, fairness, and transparency of the recently concluded world's largest democratic electoral exercise in India," it added.
During the meeting, PM Modi also recalled his State Visit to the US in June last year during which he had an opportunity to address a Joint Session of the US Congress for a historic second time.
Meeting with the Dalai Lama
Meanwhile, in a significant show of diplomatic power politics, the US delegation met Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at the latter's residence in Dharamshala, despite criticism by China. This move signals a potential escalation in diplomatic tensions as the US lawmakers asserted their stance on global human rights issues, pushing for the autonomy of Tibet within China.
“His Holiness Dalai Lama will live a long time and his legacy will live forever, but to you President of China, you will be gone and nobody will give you credit for anything,” said Pelosi, a long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, while accusing China of not doing justice with Tibet. Pelosi’s visit exemplifies solidarity and a commitment to global human rights, challenging Chinese policies.
Beijing, which considers the Dalai Lama a ‘separatist’, had said that it was seriously concerned about the visit of the US lawmakers to Dharamsala. The Dalai Lama has been living in self-imposed exile in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959.
