US lawmakers to attend PM Modi’s address at Red Fort on Independence Day
US lawmakers, led by Ro Khanna and Michael Waltz, to visit India for historic events, strengthening US-India ties.
A group of American lawmakers from different political backgrounds is set to embark on a visit to India. The delegation will participate in various events, including attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the historic Red Fort on August 15.
Leading this notable delegation are Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Michael Waltz. Their leadership roles arise from their positions as co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, according to an official announcement.
During their visit, the lawmakers will have the opportunity to witness Prime Minister Modi’s address to the nation on India’s Independence Day at the Red Fort. Additionally, they will engage in meetings with leaders from the business, technology, government, and Bollywood sectors in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi. The group will also pay a visit to Raj Ghat, a significant memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
Joining Khanna and Waltz on this trip are Congress members Deborah Ross, Kat Cammack, Shri Thanedar, and Jasmine Crockett, along with Rich McCormick and Ed Case. For Congressman Khanna, this visit holds special meaning as it marks a connection to his own family history. His grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar, was a freedom fighter who stood alongside Gandhi and later became a part of India’s inaugural parliament.
Expressing their sentiments, Khanna and Waltz highlighted their role as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. They emphasized their pride in leading a bipartisan delegation to India, aiming to reinforce economic and defence ties between the two nations – the world’s oldest and largest democracies.
Khanna and Waltz view the US-India relationship as a pivotal one in the 21st century. They regard India as a significant partner in maintaining a balanced power dynamic in Asia and countering China’s dominance. Khanna stressed the importance of progressing and nurturing the partnership based on shared values such as democracy, press freedom, assembly, and human rights.
Earlier this year, Khanna and Waltz organized a summit within the US Congress, focusing on strengthening US-India relations. The summit facilitated discussions and speeches involving governmental figures, experts, and leaders from the Indian-American community across the nation.
