In a sequence of extraordinary leaders that includes Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, Narendra Modi now takes his place. The Indian Prime Minister was bestowed with the honor of addressing the joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time on Thursday, captivating the audience and eliciting thunderous applause, along with an astounding 15 standing ovations, as reported.

In a truly remarkable speech that spanned nearly an hour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi skillfully covered a wide range of topics. From the Russia-Ukraine conflict to global terrorism, the security of the Indo-Pacific region, the economy, and the spirit of democracy, his address was nothing short of a blockbuster.

On June 22, Narendra Modi achieved a historic milestone by becoming the only Indian Prime Minister to address the joint session of the US Congress twice. His hour-long speech was met with 15 standing ovations and an impressive 79 rounds of applause.

Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi now joins the esteemed ranks of six Indian leaders who have graced the US Congress podium, earning admiration from individuals across the political spectrum. Following his address, numerous American lawmakers, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, eagerly sought his autograph and captured selfies with him.

The Indian Prime Minister was greeted with chants of 'Modi Modi,' 'Bharat Mata ki Jai,' and 'Vande Mataram,' reflecting the enthusiasm and support for his presence. Subsequently, US lawmakers formed a line to engage with Narendra Modi, who graciously signed autographs and took selfies with them. Kevin McCarthy, the representative of the US House of Representatives, presented Prime Minister Modi with a booklet containing the joint session address, which he gladly autographed.

During his historic address, Narendra Modi eloquently highlighted India's remarkable progress on the economic front. Proudly proclaiming, "When I first visited the US as Prime Minister, India ranked as the 10th largest economy in the world. Today, we proudly stand as the 5th largest, and soon, we shall ascend to the 3rd position."

Additionally, the Indian Prime Minister shared a compelling anecdote about a tribal woman from Odisha who ascended to the presidency of the country. He remarked, "India's vision extends beyond development that benefits women; it envisions women-led development, where women spearhead the journey of progress. A woman from a humble tribal background has risen to become our esteemed Head of State."

PM Modi also reiterated his unwavering commitment to climate goals, affirming, "We stand as the only G20 country that has fulfilled its Paris commitment. Our mission is one of pro-planet progress, pro-planet prosperity, and pro-planet people."

Narendra Modi further emphasized India's unity in diversity, stating, "India encompasses the home of all faiths in the world, celebrating the richness of each. In India, diversity is ingrained in our way of life, and the world's curiosity about our nation continues to grow."

He added, "With over 2,500 political parties, approximately 20 different parties governing various states, and 22 official languages accompanied by thousands of dialects, we speak with a unified voice."

PM Modi also highlighted India's steadfast commitment to global cooperation and peace, declaring, "We live by the motto of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—the world is one family. Our engagement with the world is for the collective benefit of all."

Concluding his address, he eloquently stated, "The same spirit resonates in our theme as we chair the G20 Summit: One Earth, One Family, One Future. Recently, all nations rallied behind our proposal at the UN to construct a memorial wall honoring peacekeepers."

With an exquisite blend of eloquence, charisma, and a compelling vision, Narendra Modi has unquestionably placed India at the center stage of the world's attention. His address to the US Congress will be remembered as a pivotal moment, solidifying his stature as a global leader.

The Essence of PM Modi's Address to the US Congress

Democracy, Democracy, Democracy

Resonating with grace and eloquence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi weaved a captivating narrative around the essence and significance of democracy. This theme, which he also emphasized during his joint press conference with US President Joe Biden, held a profound place in his address to the US Congress.

With reverence and admiration, Modi paid homage to the indelible contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. in the pursuit of "liberty, equality, and justice." He eloquently proclaimed, "Democracy stands as a sacred and shared value, shaped by its evolution through diverse forms and systems. Yet, one truth remains steadfast throughout history—democracy embodies the spirit of equality and dignity. It embraces robust debate and discourse, nurturing the wings of thought and expression."

Modi's words echoed through the halls, evoking a resounding sense of pride. He declared, "India, blessed with these timeless values, has been the cradle of democracy since ancient times. In its journey, India stands as the Mother of Democracy."

In a moment brimming with applause and admiration, Modi emphasized the profound significance of the United States as the oldest democracy and India as the largest. The partnership between these two nations, he proclaimed, holds tremendous promise for the future of democracy.

In this masterful address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted a vivid portrait of democracy's essence, illuminating its enduring importance and inspiring hope for a future shaped by its principles.

Beauty of India’s diversity

Throughout the annals of time, India has stood as an exquisite embodiment of unity in diversity, and in his resounding speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi masterfully showcased this extraordinary facet of the nation. As he commemorated India's 75 years of Independence, he emphasized that the celebration transcended mere recognition of democracy—it embraced the vibrant tapestry of diversity that defines the country.

With pride and admiration, Modi proclaimed that despite the presence of 2,500 distinct political parties, 22 official languages, and an array of dialects and culinary traditions, India resolutely spoke in unison. In harmonious accord, the nation's multifaceted voices converged, forging a powerful testament to the spirit of unity.

He eloquently added, "India serves as the sanctuary for all faiths in the world, celebrating their intrinsic beauty. Within India's borders, diversity thrives as an innate way of life, captivating the world's curiosity. The allure of India grows with each passing day."

In this mesmerizing address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi radiated the essence of India's diversity, showcasing its organic harmony and captivating allure. The world stood enthralled, yearning to unravel the mysteries and marvels of this remarkable land.

The economies of it all

No rendition of Modi's speech would be complete without his fervent emphasis on India's soaring economy, and in his address to the US Congress, he resolutely did just that.

Captivating the audience, he declared, "When I first embarked on my journey as Prime Minister and set foot on American soil, India stood as the 10th largest economy in the world. Today, we proudly claim the position of the fifth largest economy, poised to ascend to the coveted rank of the third largest. Our growth not only signifies expanding dimensions but also accelerated momentum. As India prospers, the ripples of growth extend across the globe, for we represent one-sixth of humanity!"

Expounding upon India's economic prowess and robust infrastructure, the Prime Minister proudly detailed his government's achievements. He highlighted the provision of nearly 40 million homes to over 150 million citizens, the establishment of a comprehensive national health insurance program, and the facilitation of banking services for the unbanked segments of society. Additionally, Modi unveiled the staggering statistic of over 850 million smartphones and internet users in India, surpassing the population of Europe.

Amidst resounding applause, he exclaimed, "In the realm of digital transactions, India shines as a beacon. Last year, out of every 100 real-time digital payments worldwide, a remarkable 46 originated in India. Our nation boasts an extensive network of optical fiber cables spanning nearly four hundred thousand miles, coupled with affordable data, catalyzing a revolution of boundless opportunities."

With evocative imagery, Modi painted a vivid picture of the transformative power of technology in India. Farmers access real-time weather updates, the elderly receive social security payments, students secure scholarships, doctors provide telemedicine services, fishermen navigate fishing grounds, and small businesses secure loans—all with a simple tap on their mobile phones.

In this compelling address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi illuminated the remarkable trajectory of India's economic growth, proudly showcasing the nation's accomplishments and the transformative impact of digital innovation on the lives of its citizens. The world stood witness to India's resolute march towards progress and prosperity.

Women empowerment

In his captivating hour-long address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi eloquently spoke about the pivotal role of women and the empowerment of women in shaping India's future.

With conviction, he declared, "In contemporary India, women are at the forefront, leading us towards a brighter tomorrow. Our vision transcends mere development that benefits women; it envisions women-led development, where women spearhead the journey of progress. Remarkably, a woman from a humble tribal background has ascended to the position of our esteemed Head of State."

Drawing attention to India's commendable achievements, the Prime Minister highlighted the presence of nearly 1.5 million elected women across various levels of local governance. He proudly acknowledged the valuable contributions of women serving in the Armed Forces, emphasizing that India boasts the highest percentage of women airline pilots worldwide.

Additionally, he applauded the exceptional achievements of women scientists involved in ISRO's Mars mission. Modi asserted, "I firmly believe that investing in the education and well-being of a girl child uplifts not only the individual but also the entire family. Empowering women catalyzes the transformation of a nation."

In this powerful address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shed light on the transformative role of women in India's progress. He celebrated their leadership, resilience, and notable contributions, affirming the profound impact of women's empowerment on the nation's trajectory.

‘Not an era of war’

Amidst the harrowing toll of lives lost and the profound destruction wreaked by the Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolutely reiterated India's steadfast stance: "This is not an era of war, but one defined by dialogue and diplomacy."

These words, previously shared with Russian President Vladimir Putin, remained unwavering as Modi emphasized the imperative of collective action to halt the relentless bloodshed and human suffering.

He earnestly expressed, "With the Ukraine conflict, the specter of war haunts Europe once more, inflicting profound pain upon the region. Given the involvement of major powers, the repercussions are severe. The countries of the Global South bear the brunt of its impact. The global order is built upon the bedrock of upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter—peaceful resolution of disputes and the utmost respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."

In these somber reflections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolutely called for an end to the devastating conflict, underscoring the imperative of upholding the values that form the foundation of the global community. His steadfast commitment to peace resonated, urging nations to unite and pave the way for dialogue, diplomacy, and the preservation of human lives.

Terrorism – a concern

With unwavering conviction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a poignant concern shared by India, the United States, and the entire world—terrorism. Reflecting on the passage of more than two decades since 9/11 and over a decade since the tragic events of 26/11 in Mumbai, he emphasized that radicalism and terrorism persist as grave threats that demand urgent attention.

In resolute words, the Prime Minister declared, "Terrorism stands as an adversary to humanity, leaving no room for equivocation or ambiguity in our response. We must unite to overcome all forces that sponsor and export terror."

In the aftermath of these resounding statements, one can't help but ponder if Pakistan, with its own complex dynamics, was attentive to the Prime Minister's poignant address. Narendra Modi's words served as a poignant reminder of the imperative for all nations to join hands in combating the scourge of terrorism and preserving the sanctity of human life.

The ‘C’ word

Amidst China's assertiveness, the deepening bond between India and the United States has garnered significant attention, a theme underscored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the Congress.

In a tactful reference to China, Modi asserted, "The ominous clouds of coercion and confrontation cast their shadow over the Indo-Pacific region. The stability of this region has become a paramount concern, uniting our partnership."

Expanding on this notion, he articulated, "We share a vision of an Indo-Pacific region that stands as a bastion of freedom, openness, and inclusivity. It is a region united by secure seas, governed by international law, free from dominance, and firmly anchored in the centrality of ASEAN."

Furthermore, Modi emphasized the importance of creating a region where nations, both small and large, can make choices without fear, unencumbered by insurmountable debt burdens. He advocated for connectivity that transcends strategic interests, uplifting all nations through the tide of shared prosperity.

Reiterating the cooperative essence of their vision, he clarified, "Our vision is not one of containment or exclusion; it is a vision that seeks to foster a peaceful and prosperous region. We engage through regional institutions and collaborate with partners both within and beyond the region. In this regard, the QUAD has emerged as a formidable force for good, shaping the region's trajectory."

In this compelling address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shed light on the flourishing friendship between India and the United States, navigating the challenges posed by regional dynamics. Their shared vision seeks to foster an Indo-Pacific region defined by peace, prosperity, and cooperative engagement, as they work in harmony with regional institutions and like-minded partners.

Indo-US partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging the remarkable journey of India-US relations since the early 1990s, highlighted the significant advancements in both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the enduring partnership between the two nations.

In a clever play on words, he stated, "In recent years, we have witnessed tremendous strides in AI—Artificial Intelligence. Simultaneously, there have been even more momentous developments in another AI—America and India."

The Prime Minister astutely recognized that while India and the United States may possess different circumstances and histories, they are bound together by a shared vision and a common destiny. He declared, "As our partnership flourishes, economic resilience strengthens, innovation thrives, science prospers, knowledge advances, and humanity reaps the benefits. Our seas and skies become safer, democracy shines brighter, and the world becomes a better place."

Modi further emphasized the extraordinary nature of this visit, asserting, "Even by the high standards set by our partnership, this visit marks a moment of great positive transformation. Together, we shall demonstrate the superiority of democracy and the ability of democracies to deliver. I rely on your unwavering support for the India-US partnership."

In this insightful address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi illuminated the remarkable progress and potential of the India-US relationship. Through the convergence of technological advancements and the enduring values of democracy, the partnership stands poised to shape a better future for both nations and the world at large.

Climate Action

During his momentous hour-long speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of environmental care and climate action.

Echoing the profound reverence ingrained in Indian culture, he proclaimed, "The Earth is our mother, and we, her children. I hold deep respect for the environment." Expanding on this sentiment, he expressed, "Each individual possesses the power to make a positive impact through mindful choices. By transforming sustainability into a mass movement, we can accelerate the world's journey towards achieving the Net Zero target. Our vision encompasses progress that nurtures our planet, prosperity that aligns with its well-being, and the creation of a populace that champions its preservation."

Prime Minister Modi's joint address to the US Congress resonated as a resounding success. His impassioned plea for environmental consciousness and collective action reverberated throughout the halls, inspiring a shared commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations.