Lawmakers intensify campaign for Narendra Modi to address US Congress

Ahead of Modi's visit, other top lawmakers too have called the India-US relationship as the defining partnerships of the 21st century and said that a strong India is good news and a positive thing for both the United States and the world at large.

"A stronger India is positive for the United States and the world, and could serve as a force for greater stability, security, and prosperity," House Democratic Whip, Steny H Hoyer, said at a roundtable on India-US relationship organised at the US Capitol on Wednesday.

"America has much to gain through close engagement and partnership with the world's largest democracy," Hoyer said.

He along side other lawmakers, was joined by members of the Indian-American community, business leaders, diplomats, and Obama Administration officials to explore potential avenues for closer collaboration between the two countries.

"The United States and India aren't just friends, we are natural partners rooted in our shared values and interests. From economic ties and tourism, to defense and cultural relations, the multifaceted relationship between the US and India is growing at a rapid pace. And as India has assumed an essential role on the global stage, US India ties have never been more relevant," Crowley said.

"This dialogue is an important step in fostering the US-India relationship and discovering new opportunities to grow and develop what has the potential of becoming the most important bilateral relationship in the world," he said.

The ties between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century, Engel said.

"India has become an important economic, political, and security partner for the United States and we must find ways to further strengthen the many areas where we are already working together," he said.

"I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the United States this September and I hope this meeting marks the first of many discussions about how our countries can work together to drive prosperity and opportunity for all our citizens," Engel said.

Representatives Hoyer, Crowley, and Engel have committed to engaging with the Indian-American community on a wide range of issues concerning the bilateral relationship.

Both during the roundtable and in potential future meetings, the lawmakers will work to identify possible areas for near-term collaboration and work to address challenges in the US-India partnership.