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US Congress cheers Narendra Modi with 9 standing ovations, 33 applauses; lap up his idea of India

During his speech, PM Modi spoke about various topics ranging from terrorism to yoga. With 33 applauses, lawmakers lap up Prime Minister’s idea of India.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a joint session of the United States Congress at the US Capitol June 8, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received with awe and recognition at the Capital Hill by the American parliamentarians on Wednesday, defining the evolving relationship between India and the United States.

During his 48-minute speech to the joint sitting of US House of Representatives and Senate, a rare honour, Modi got nine standing ovations and 33 applauses while selling the idea of India, emphasizing not just war on terrorism but calling for delegitimising terrorism altogether. Modi quoted Abraham Lincoln, Swami Vivekananda and American poet Walter Whitman to convey the message that comfort, candour and convergence now define the engagement between the two countries.

“Our engagement can make a difference by promoting cooperation, not dominance; connectivity, not isolation; respect for global commons; inclusive not exclusive mechanisms; and above all adherence to international rules and norms,” he told the US Congress.

Without naming Pakistan and referring to blocking of F-16 sale to that country by the US Congress, Modi commended the members of the Congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and practise terrorism for political gains. He said terrorism’s shadow, that is spreading across the world, is incubated in India’s neighbourhood.

“Refusing to reward them is the first step towards holding them accountable for their actions,” he said. He also thanked the US for standing by India, when terrorists from across the border attacked Mumbai in November, 2008.

Mentioning his visit to Afghanistan, Modi said elsewhere in South Asia, and globally also, terrorism remains the biggest threat. In the territory stretching from West of India’s border to Africa, it may go by different names, from Laskhar-e-Taiba, to Taliban to IS. “The fight against terrorism has to be fought at many levels. And, the traditional tools of military, intelligence or diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight,” he said.

While selling the idea of India, he didn’t forget to mention the popularity of Yoga in the US, but added in a lighter vein that India has not yet claimed intellectual property right on Yoga.

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