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Congressman Sherman Welcomes Visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi

June 8, 2016

Washington DC – Congressman Brad Sherman released the following statement after India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke before a joint session of Congress.

“In 2014, I led an effort of 80 of my colleagues to encourage Congressional leadership to invite Prime Minister Modi to speak before a joint session of Congress. I’m glad he was able to give that address today.

“He delivered a very insightful speech, which laid out the mutual benefits of our growing relationship with India.

“Since India’s independence in 1947, the relationship between the United States and India, while at times warm, has not always lived up to its potential. Over the last several years, it has improved markedly. I look forward to continuing that progress as Ranking Democrat on the Asia Subcommittee.

“The United States and India have a unique bond 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.

“The Prime Minister has played an important part in improving relations on issues as varied as alternative energy development, defense and security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and climate change.

“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 export to India, and achieve the goal of a $500 billion balanced trade relationship. ”

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