PM Modi addresses US Congress: As it happened

Thank you again America! A successful visit ends as PM @narendramodi takes the long way home, via Mexico City pic.twitter.com/aLj0cGMt8g

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

PM Modi concludes US visit, leaves for Mexico.

Excellent speech by PM @narendramodi ji at US Congress. He conveyed the ideals, strengths & sentiments of our nation brilliantly #ModiInUS

— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) June 8, 2016

An earlier tweet by @MEAIndia -

From a Congressional address inside to a rapturous diaspora outside, power of India on full display at Capitol Hill pic.twitter.com/u6Gs93UDMJ

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

Then there came a time when US-India made an effort made an effort to come closer, what we could do for each other. Now we are entering an era where we aren't working for each other, but we think about what India and the US can do for the world. Be it climate change issue, poverty, terrorism, health sector issues of the world, we can put our heads together and work for the world, says PM Modi. 

It is an honour for our belief of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which means that 'the world is one family', says PM.

There was a time there was curiosity in the US towards India, what we do, how they think. Then there was a time when they started to get a hang of us, they understood that we have shared values and we could be closer, says PM.

I want the combined power of India and the US to become a force for good in the world, says PM Modi.

PM @narendramodi addresses Reception : This is first time such a Joint event has been held, for this I'm grateful pic.twitter.com/xqKwVV9DPr

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

Reaping the democratic dividend. PM attends Reception hosted by Foreign Relations Committees & India Caucus pic.twitter.com/VcRXatWtTt

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

PM Modi attends Congressional Reception hosted jointly by Foreign Relations Committees (House and Senate) and India Caucus (House and Senate).

As extraordinary global leader, PM @narendramodi has rightly described India-US ties stretch from depths of oceans to vastness of space.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 8, 2016

A moment with a pioneer of the diaspora. PM with potrait of 1st Indian origin Congressman Dalip S. Saund pic.twitter.com/gy9cM7ouLt

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

Speaker Ryan hosts banquet lunch for PM Modi on Capitol Hill.

More Congressional honours. @SpeakerRyan hosts banquet lunch for PM @narendramodi on Capitol Hill pic.twitter.com/SwBhizvrbN

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

Paul Ryan tweets -

My statement on @PMOIndia's address to a #jointmeeting of Congress ⇩ #ModiInUS pic.twitter.com/r9LxDpMzmU

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 8, 2016

Thank you Mr. Vice President. Was great meeting you. @VP https://t.co/laa4NWHUuG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2016

Thanks @SpeakerRyan for the kind words & opportunity to address Congress. Was great meeting you earlier today. pic.twitter.com/ovxtFLGT5E

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2016

Honoured and privileged to address a joint meeting of the US Congress. A big thank you to all Congressmen, Congresswomen, Senators and guests who attended the address, says PM Modi.

Honoured & privileged to address a joint meeting of the US Congress. Here is my speech. https://t.co/rEw8uuhhEk pic.twitter.com/HxiEzX0Jbq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2016

A big thank you to all Congressmen, Congresswomen, Senators and guests who attended the address.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2016

Superb speech by PM @narendramodi ji at #USCongress really a proud moment to see @PMOIndia getting standing Ovation n Applause. #ModiInUS

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) June 8, 2016

Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for making me feel a PROUD INDIAN. Brilliant speech.:) #ModiInUS #USCongress

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) June 8, 2016

PM Sh Narendramodi Ji received more than 40 standing ovation during his speech. All Indian are proud of him. @narendramodi

— Ram Vilas Paswan (@irvpaswan) June 8, 2016

It's brilliance & scope reminded me of Swami Vivekanand's Chicago address a century ago.#ModiInUS @JoeBiden @IndianEmbassyUS @SushmaSwaraj

— Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) June 8, 2016

PM Shri @NarendraModi mesmerizes US Congress with his speech on Humanity. Modiji’s speech will give a new dimension to Indo-US relationship.

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 8, 2016

What a speech by PM @narendramodi to US congress. He created a new symphony in India US ties in his 50 minute oratory... 1/

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 8, 2016

PM @narendramodi hailed as a new world leader by US Congress.His statement of vision 4 humanity applauded by Congressmen clapping 61 times 2

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 8, 2016

He was terrific, India and US relationship will only get stronger: Ajaypal Banga, MasterCard CEO on PM Modi's speech.

PM Modi concludes his address. PM receives standing ovation as speech ends.

A speech which spoke to America. PM @narendramodi receives a standing ovation as speech ends pic.twitter.com/dWvnWyzqwl

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

PM Modi concludes by quoting Walt Whitman - The Orchestra have sufficiently tuned their instruments, the baton has given the signal. And there is a new symphony in play.

As we embark on new journey and seek new goals, let us focus on transformation on new ideas of shaping partnerships and  prosperous world. The constraints of the past are behind us and foundations of the future are firmly in place: PM Modi.

PM calls for transformational ideas in India-US ties to realise the full promise of this extraordinary relationship.

PM Modi speaks of actions beyond our shores, both alone and together - for disaster relief, environmental protection, and conflict resolution.

Protection of environment and care for planet is at the centre of our shared vision. For us in India, to live in harmony with mother earth is a part of our ancient belief, says PM.

PM Modi talks about fighting terror and Lashkar-e-taiba Taliban and ISIS. He also talks of a country which is 'incubator' of terrorism. 

The fight against terrorism has to be fought at many levels. The need of the hour is to deepen our security relations. Those who believe in humanity must come together as one and speak against this menace in one voice. Let's not distinguish between good and bad terrorists and let's de-link religion from terrorism. Terrorism must be de-legitimised, says PM.

The effectiveness of our cooperation would increase if international institutions were to reflect the realities of today. Globally, terrorism remains the biggest threat, going by different names, but with the common philosophy of hate, murder and violence: PM Modi

Defence purchases is now more than $10 billion in a decade. A strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity, and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific: PM Modi

We were the first to respond amidst the Nepal earthquake, Maldives water crisis and Sri Lanka's landslides, says PM.

India's strong economy and growing GDP is creating a positive impact for our mutual prosperity, PM Modi adds.

I see US as an indispensible partner. Many of you believe that a stronger & prosperous India is in America's strategic interest, says PM Modi.

India's strong economy and growth rate of 7.6% per annum, is creating new opportunities for our mutual prosperity, PM adds.

India is undergoing through profound social and economic change. My dream is to economically empower our billion citizens through many social, economic transformations by 2022, the 75th anniversary of Independence. My 'to do list' long is long and ambitious: PM Modi

PM on the diaspora bridgebuilders - They are among your best CEOs, academics, scientists, economists; doctors, even spelling bee champions.

More Americans bend for Yoga than to throw a curved ball. SIRI tells us that more than 30 million practice Yoga. But no Mr Speaker, we have not yet claimed intellectual property right on it: PM Modi

Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour, and convergence define our conversations. Our cooperation secures our cities and citizens from terrorists and protects our critical infrastructure from cyber threats, says PM Modi.

On a lighter note PM Modi says - You are well-known for your bipartisanship. I have also witnessed a similar spirit in Parliament, especially in Upper House.

The genius of Norman Borlaug brought the Green Revolution and food security to India: PM

When US Congress passed India-US Civil Nuclear coop Agreement, it changed very colours of leaves of relationshiop between two countries: PM

You helped us turn barriers into bridges of partnership. India will never forget the solidarity shown by the US Congress when terrorists attacked Mumbai in November 2008: PM Modi

No wonder then, that President Barack Obama has called our ties the defining partnership of the 21st century: PM Modi

Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour, and convergence define our conversations. No wonder then, that former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee called India and the US 'natural allies': PM Modi

Mahatma Gandhi's non violence inspired Martin Luther King's heroism, says PM Modi at US Congress.

He adds, "Today a mere distance of 3 miles separates the Martin Luther King memorial from Gandhi statue. This proximity mirrors their beliefs."

Modern India is in its 70th year. Our Constitution is our holy book. Our founders created a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul, says PM Modi.

He adds - 'The genius of Dr BR Ambedkar was nurtured in the years he spent at the Columbia University a century ago'.

He also spoke of his visit to @ArlingtonNatl and of those fallen in distant battlefields, both from the US and India in pursuit of similar ideals.

India grows as one, lives as one, celebrates as one, says PM. 

There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we reposed our faith in democracy: PM Modi

Our founding fathers sought individual liberties for every citizen of India, says PM.

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

PM Modi says strong US-India partnership can help ensure security of sea lanes and freedom of navigation.

In granting me this opportunity, you have honoured the world's largest democracy and its 1.25 billion people: PM

This temple of democracy has encouraged and empowered other democracies the world over, says PM Modi.

PM quotes President Lincoln, applauds spirit of America, dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Honoured to address the US Congress, says PM Modi.

PM Modi begins his speech.

US Congress leaders give a rousing welcome to PM Modi.

PM Modi arrives at the House amidst a round of applause.

The members of the Congressional Escort Committee will escort PM Modi into the House to deliver his address.

PM Modi is greeted by Members of Congressional Escort Committee.

The rituals of an old democratic tradition. PM @narendramodi is greeted by Members of Congressional Escort Committee pic.twitter.com/PDViOIw9ca

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

And the fourth PM of India to address the US Congress in July 2005 had said the following -

Singh had sought America’s support for India’s civil nuclear program and had said, “We have never been, and will never be, a source of proliferation."

This is what Atal Behari Vajpayee had said in 2000 -

“To achieve this order of growth we have ushered a comprehensive reforms. We are committed to releasing the creative genius of our people, the entrepreneurial skills of the men and women of the country, of its scientists and craftsmen.”

A look at what PV Narasimha Rao had said in his 1994 speech -

He had asked US to put the Cold War behind it and to help India become the “largest free market in the world”. 

Speaker Paul Ryan calls the House to order. Senators are summoned into the chamber.

Rajiv Gandhi in 1985 became the first Indian PM to address the joint meeting of the Congress.

He had said - “Our task today is to bring India to the threshold of the 21st century. Free of the burden of poverty which is the legacy of our colonial past, and capable of meeting the rising aspirations of our people.”

Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Parliamentary Affairs tweets - 

Watch Live... PM Sh @narendramodi addresses Joint Meeting of US Congress in Washington DC
Watch Live https://t.co/VPYdH01dSj

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 8, 2016

PM @narendramodi addresses Joint Session of US Congress. It's the 10th address of our PM in a Foreign Parliament. 1/

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 8, 2016

One of my most cherished memories is a statue of Gandhi gifted by a student named Modi decades ago, says Senator Reid.

Following shooting incident in Gurudwara in my constituency, the Sikh community's compassion and forgiveness has been a lesson, says Speaker Ryan.

Kalpana Chawla's family reached Capitol Hill to listen to PM Modi. 

Chawla was an Indo-American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin in space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997.

As we wait for PM Modi's address, lets go down the memory lane - 

This is what Jawaharlal Nehru had said in 1949 when he had visited the US - “You will see that though India may speak to you in a voice that you may not immediately recognise or that may perhaps appear somewhat alien to you, yet that voice somewhat strongly resembles what you have often heard before. Yet, it is true that India’s voice is somewhat different, it is not the voice of the old world of Europe but of the older world of Asia.”

Extra security being witnessed at Capitol Hill as helicopters are cruising overhead and police dogs are around.

PM Modi meets Congressional leadership at Capitol Hill - 

Advancing the dialogue of democracies. PM @narendramodi meets the Congressional Leadership at Capitol Hill pic.twitter.com/U6NWX1FEiP

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

Meanwhile, a tweet from Paul Ryan - 

HAPPENING NOW: I'm escorting @PMOIndia to the House floor for his address to a #jointmeeting of Congress. #ModiInUS https://t.co/TKTOFs4Ikf

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 8, 2016

PM Modi arrives at Capitol Hill, is received by Speaker Ryan.

Day 3 in DC: A day for democracy - PM @narendramodi arrives at Capitol Hill, is received by @SpeakerRyan pic.twitter.com/9z5gwnIoNq

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016

Yesterday, PM Modi had also met US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter and addressed American businesspersons to discuss stronger economic partnership between India and USA.

Met Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter. @DeptofDefense pic.twitter.com/qifidepvU1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2016

Met American businesspersons to discuss stronger economic partnership between India and USA. pic.twitter.com/ceQCgQiIhG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2016

After meeting Obama yesterday, PM Modi had tweeted the following:

Delighted to meet @POTUS again. We had very good discussions on India-USA ties. pic.twitter.com/dcxkWI5gnO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016

Yesterday, US President Barack Obama had supported India's candidature for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as he discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ways to take the bilateral ties to new heights.

Addressing the media jointly with PM Modi after over hour-long talks at the White House, Obama had said it was natural for India and the US, two biggest democracies, to "deepen and broaden" partnership.

On his part, PM Modi had said that the two leaders had discussed a wide range of issues, particularly ways to take the bilateral economic ties to new heights.
 

The India-US Joint Statement covers important topics of India's relations with USA, including clean energy, defence, security & trade.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016

The Statement reaffirms the joint commitment of India & USA to stand together against terrorism & violent extremism.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016

We want to deepen cooperation in science, technology, health & boost people-to-people ties. This has been addressed in the Joint Statement.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to speak at a joint meeting of the US Congress at around 8:30 pm (India time). 

He was invited to Capitol Hill by House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, who in April had described US-India ties as “a pillar of strength in an important region of the world.”