Deeply value India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership: PM Modi

New Delhi, June 20: On Thursday, a bipartisan United States congressional delegation met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi shared the news on X(formerly Twitter), stating, “Had a very good exchange of views with friends from the US Congress in a delegation led by @RepMcCaul, Chairman of @HouseForeignGOP. Deeply valued the strong bipartisan support in advancing India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”

The delegation, led by Representative Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, comprised seven members. These included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Rep. Ami Bera, and Rep. Jim McGovern.

The delegation congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his historic third consecutive term and praised the scale, fairness, and transparency of India’s recent electoral exercise, the world’s largest democratic election. They highlighted the importance of India-US relations, describing them as the most consequential, and expressed strong support for further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership in various areas, including trade, technology, defence, and people-to-people exchanges.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significant role played by the consistent and bipartisan support of the US Congress in advancing India-US ties, which are rooted in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and strong people-to-people connections. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations for the global good and recalled his state visit to the US last year, where he addressed a Joint Session of the US Congress for the second time.

US Delegation’s Meeting with the Dalai Lama Sparks Tensions with China

On Wednesday, the bipartisan US congressional delegation met with the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, an encounter that provoked anger from China, which views the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader as a separatist. This meeting comes at a time when Washington and Beijing have restarted talks after a period of strained relations due to tariffs, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising military tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

The US delegation, arriving in India on Tuesday, first travelled to Dharamshala to meet officials from the Tibetan government-in-exile, which seeks greater autonomy for Tibet. China, which does not recognise the exiled administration and has not engaged in dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives since 2010, reacted strongly. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged the US not to support Tibetan independence, warning of “resolute measures” if the White House signs the bill into law.

The visit coincides with the passage of the Resolve Tibet Act by the US Congress, which calls for a peaceful resolution of the Tibet dispute and urges Beijing to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Representative Pelosi noted the bill sends a clear message of support for Tibetan freedom, while Representative McCaul reaffirmed American support for Tibetan self-determination, despite warnings from the Chinese Communist Party.

The Dalai Lama has consistently denied separatist aims, advocating instead for substantial autonomy and cultural protection for Tibet. He has historically engaged with US officials but has yet to meet President Biden. The Dalai Lama is expected to travel to the US for medical treatment tomorrow, raising questions about potential meetings with US officials.