Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew applause from U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday when he thanked the U.S. for its commitment to encouraging democratic values around the world, and praised the sacrifices made by America’s military.
“I applaud … India applauds, the great sacrifices of the men and women from the land of the free and the home of the brave,” he said to massive applause during his address before a joint session of Congress.
Modi said he had visited Arlington Cemetery earlier this week to honor the “many brave soldiers of this great land.”
As a representative of the “world’s largest democracy,” he also said it is “indeed a privilege to speak to the leaders of its oldest.”
Modi also thanked the U.S. for the aid it delivered when his country was attacked in 2008.
“India will never forget the solidarity shown by the U.S. Congress when terrorists from across our border attacked Mumbai in November of 2008,” he said. “And for this, we are grateful.”
Modi also joked that he was told the U.S. Congress is a “harmonious” place known for its “bipartisanship.”
“You are not alone,” he said. “Time and again, I also witness a similar spirit in the Indian Parliament.”
.@narendramodi notes similarities in spirit between the U.S. Congress and Indian Parliament. #ModiInUShttps://t.co/D6fPsCMJm4— CSPAN (@cspan) June 8, 2016
