Independence Day 2023: A diverse and notable delegation of US lawmakers, representing both ends of the political spectrum, is making its way to India to partake in several events, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic address at the iconic Red Fort on August 15.

Heading this distinguished group are Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Michael Waltz, who serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, as stated in an official announcement.

The legislators are all set to visit the Red Fort, where the Prime Minister will deliver his address on India's Independence Day.

According to the press release, they have planned meetings with prominent figures from the business, technology, government, and Bollywood sectors in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi, in addition to a visit to Raj Ghat, a historic memorial dedicated to Gandhi.

Joining Khanna and Waltz are Congressmen Deborah Ross, Kat Cammack, Shri Thanedar, and Jasmine Crockett, along with Rich McCormick and Ed Case. For Congressman Khanna, this moment holds special significance as it ties back to his family's history.
"His grandfather Amarnath Vidyalankar was an Indian freedom fighter who spent four years in jail alongside Gandhi and later became a part of India’s first parliament," the statement issued on Monday explained.

Khanna expressed, "As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, we are honored to lead a bipartisan delegation to India. Our aim is to strengthen economic and defense ties between the two oldest and largest democracies."

He further emphasized, "Both of us believe that the US-India relationship will be a defining one of the 21st century. India plays a pivotal role in ensuring multipolarity in Asia and preventing China from becoming a hegemon. We must continue striving for progress and build our partnership on the foundation of shared values of democracy, freedom of the press and assembly, and human rights. This delegation marks a historic opportunity to foster collaboration and advance shared objectives", he adds.

Earlier this year, Khanna and Waltz organized a groundbreaking summit in the US Congress that focused on US-India relations. The summit witnessed engaging discussions and speeches involving governmental figures, experts, and leaders from the Indian-American community across the nation.

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