Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a bipartisan United States Congressional delegation led by Congressman Michael McCaul on Thursday. The delegation, which included former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, visited India to discuss various strategic and diplomatic issues.
The visit came after the delegation met with the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at his residence in Dharamshala the previous day. Nancy Pelosi expressed her honour in meeting the Dalai Lama, reaffirming the US Congress's support for the people of Tibet in a post on social media.
Other members of the delegation included US Representatives Gregory Meeks, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Ami Bera, and Jim McGovern.
In addition to their meeting with PM Modi, the delegation also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
Jaishankar appreciated the delegation's strong and continued support for the strategic partnership between India and the US, highlighting the importance of their visit in strengthening bilateral relations.
He expressed his gratitude on social media, acknowledging the presence and support of the US lawmakers. The delegation arrived in India on Tuesday and was welcomed by officials of the Central Tibetan Administration at Himachal Pradesh's Kangra Airport.
Their first stop was Dharamshala, where they met with the Dalai Lama. Congressman McCaul presented the Dalai Lama with a framed copy of 'The Resolve Tibet Act,' a bipartisan bill passed by the US Congress to enhance US support for Tibet.
The Act urges Beijing to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve their dispute over the status and governance of Tibet.
Before meeting the Dalai Lama, the US delegates attended a public felicitation program at the main Tibetan temple. Children performed and displayed Tibetan culture during the ceremony in the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang Complex in Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama presented a Buddha statue to Pelosi at the end of their meeting, a gesture symbolising peace and goodwill.
The discussions between the US Congressional delegation and Indian officials covered a wide range of topics, focusing on enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
This visit highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and address key issues of mutual interest, including regional stability and human rights.
The meetings and engagements during this visit underscore the importance of the India-US partnership in promoting global peace and security. The bipartisan nature of the delegation reflects the broad-based support within the US Congress for deepening ties with India. The visit also reaffirms the commitment of both nations to work together on various fronts, including strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation.
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