Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal
India has an immensely important role to play in the world, said prominent Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal on Tuesday, adding that the two countries confront many similar obstacles in their respective affairs but have some tremendous chances to work together to overcome them.
She said India-US relations are very important on multiple levels — “we are two democracies. Our constitutions both start with ‘We, the People’. We have similar sets of values historically, and we have similar challenges”.
“It is clear that India has an incredibly important role to play in the world.,” Jayapal told the media on the sidelines of the Indian-American Impact Summit here.
US President Joe Biden has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official state visit on June 22 that would include a state luncheon. The same day, Modi would also give a speech to the Congress in a joint session, making him just the third world leader to do so (apart from Israeli leaders).
“We have similar challenges in terms of efforts to try and limit the participation of all individuals, of all people, regardless of religion or race, or gender. I think there are many similar challenges, but also some incredible opportunities for the two countries to work together,” Jayapal said in response to a question.
The congresswoman claimed that in the past, she has voiced her worries about the state of human rights in India.
“I think it’s very clear to anybody who knows me that my focus has always been on lifting up the human rights of every person. That continues to be a concern of mine. I raise it here in the United States. We have human rights concerns here with our own government. I’ve been very clear about those as well over time,” she said.
“I think that in order for India to really prosper and reach its fullest potential, we need to make sure that we keep the country as an open democracy. One that respects the rights of all religious minorities. One that respects the ability of people to be LGBTQ, one that respects freedom of the press. I hope that Prime Minister Modi understands his responsibility as the leader of such a great country to be able to protect those rights for everyone,” Jayapal said.
Earlier, participating in a live podcast at the start of the Indian-American Impact Summit, the Congresswoman called for a legislative agenda for the Indian Americans.
“I think it would be good to have a legislative agenda for our community that says, here are three or four important things that we would like to get passed,” she said.
Also read: PM Modi To Address The Joint Session Of U.S. Congress For the Second Time
