U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today issued the following statement applauding the speech delivered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Meng, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, attended the historic event where she was introduced on stage, and met with Modi as he prepared to deliver his address. 

“Prime Minister Modi’s speech at Madison Square Garden was a homerun. He hit all the right themes, highlighted all the right issues, and brought the U.S.-India relationship to a new high.

In his robust agenda, he correctly highlighted the strength of India’s democracy, its workforce and the importance of education and development. He also hit the nail on the head by seeking to boost tourism, addressing inequity, invoking the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and touting the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission. There is no doubt that his address will further increase India’s influence on the world stage, and improve prosperity for both our countries.

I also applaud the Prime Minister for rallying the Indian-American community. With seriousness and humor, he did an outstanding job of highlighting how Indian-Americans are a vibrant and important community that play a vital role in contributing to society, and making our country and planet great.

It was an honor to be on stage at Madison Square Garden, and to be part of this historic and important event. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and his administration to make the bond between India and the U.S. even stronger.”

See attached photo of Congresswoman Meng meeting with Prime Minister Modi backstage at Madison Square Garden just prior to his address to the crowd. Also pictured on the right-side is Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI).

Meng, who was sworn into Congress in January 2013, is serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the New York City borough of Queens.