Rep. Ed Royce (R-California) and Indian Prime Minister Modi
Washington, Sept 30, 2014 – Demonstrating the importance placed on the U.S.-India relationship, the top leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington D.C. to meet with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite Congress not being in session.
U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the statement below on the bipartisan meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was hosted by House Speaker John Boehner.
Chairman Royce said: “It was an honor to welcome Prime Minister Modi to the Capitol. We discussed important issues, including improving counterterrorism cooperation and steps that can be taken to reduce violence against Indian women. The Prime Minister heard congressional concerns about fully implementing the civilian nuclear energy agreement so that the US can be a full partner in India’s nuclear energy industry.”
The Prime Minister addressed the top House leadership about the U.S.-India relationship. He described economic reforms his government has undertaken, including in the defense, transportation and financial services fields.
Questions posed by House members were on India’s energy dealings with Iran, Iran’s nuclear program, counterterrorism cooperation, implementation of the civilian nuclear cooperation deal, and violence against women, among other issues.
Chairman Royce attended an earlier U.S. Government only meeting with Prime Minister Modi at Madison Square Garden where he discussed U.S.-India economic and security ties. Chairman Royce, a three time co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, was instrumental in the passage of the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2006, managing the bill on the House Floor.
He has also been a strong proponent for enhancing U.S.—India security ties, and has long spoken out against the threat of radical extremism originating from Pakistani Deobandi schools. Prior to that, Royce helped lead the effort to remove sanctions against India in 2001, and also joined then-President Clinton’s 2000 trip.
