Prime Minister Modi Meets US Congressional Delegation Led by Michael McCaul Following Their Meeting with Dalai Lama

New Delhi, 20-06-2024 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a seven-member US Congressional delegation led by US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul on Thursday, a day after the delegation met and honored Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, which prompted discontent from China.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the robust bipartisan support in strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. “Had a very good exchange of views with friends from the US Congress in a delegation led by @RepMcCaul, Chairman of @HouseForeignGOP. Deeply value the strong bipartisan support in advancing India- US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi shared.

Michael McCaul, following their meeting with the Dalai Lama on Wednesday, emphasized the Tibetans’ right to self-determination and their freedom to practice their religion. The delegation included former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Rep. Amerish Babulal “Ami” Bera, and Rep. Jim McGovern.

The delegation extended their congratulations to Prime Minister Modi on his historic third consecutive term. They praised the scale, fairness, and transparency of India’s recently concluded democratic elections, which stand as the largest in the world.

Describing India-US relations as highly significant, the delegation voiced strong support for deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership across various domains, including trade, emerging technologies, defense, and cultural exchanges. Prime Minister Modi underscored the vital role of the US Congress’s bipartisan support in fostering India-US ties, rooted in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and robust people-to-people connections. He reiterated his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations for global benefit.

Modi also reminisced about his State Visit to the US in June of the previous year, where he had the honor of addressing a Joint Session of the US Congress for a historic second time.

The delegation’s visit to Dharamshala occurred shortly after the US lawmakers passed the Resolve Tibet Bill, a bipartisan measure aimed at bolstering support for Tibet and encouraging dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama. The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.

China has expressed its displeasure over the US delegation’s visit to Dharamshala. Beijing has also urged President Biden not to sign the Tibet policy bill, threatening “resolute measures” in response.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged the US to understand the sensitivity and importance of issues related to Tibet (referred to as Xizang by China) and to respect China’s core interests. He advised the US to cease any forms of interaction with the Dalai Lama’s group and avoid sending misleading signals to the world. Lin also labeled the Tibetan government-in-exile as a separatist political group and an illegal organization not recognized by any country.

On Wednesday, the US delegation also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi.