Congressman Sherman Welcomes Visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi

Washington DC – Congressman Brad Sherman released the following statement following news that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally invited to speak before a joint session of Congress.

“I am pleased that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be able to address a Joint Session of Congress this year. In 2014, I led the effort, and was joined by more than 80 of my colleagues, in trying to encourage then-Speaker John Boehner to invite President Modi to give such an address shortly after he had assumed office.

“Since India’s independence in 1947, the relationship between the United States and India has steadily grown. The United States and India have a unique relationship based on shared democratic values. The Prime Minister’s visit is an opportunity to build on the U.S-India strategic partnership to the benefit of both our nations.

“As things stand, our current trade relationship amounts to around $110 billion. I am encouraged by Prime Minister Modi’s reform efforts and hope we can work together to make it easier for U.S. companies to invest in India and increase U.S. exports. I look forward to hearing directly from President Modi about this issue.”

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