WASHINGTON: United States (US) House Speaker Paul Ryan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint session of Congress in June, CNN reported. It is unclear whether Modi has accepted the invitation as yet.

The invitation is a sharp turnaround for a leader who was once barred from the US over massacres of Muslims.

In a statement on Thursday, Ryan called the US-India relationship "a pillar of stability in an important region of the world".

"This address presents a special opportunity to hear from the elected leader of the world's most populous democracy on how our two nations can work together to promote our shared values and to increase prosperity."

The invitation comes on the heels of a report stating the US Congress will withhold a $430 million grant for the sale of F-16s to Pakistan and $742 million in military aid amid Congress concerns the F-16s will be used against India.

Modi was previously denied a diplomatic visa to the US by George W. Bush's administration in 2005 under a law barring entry to foreigners who have committed "particularly severe violations of religious freedom" due to Modi's suspected involvement in the 2002 riots in Gujrat state.

Modi denied any wrongdoing and India's Supreme Court ruled in 2010 he had no case to answer.

Opinion

Editorial

First steps
Updated 29 May, 2024

First steps

One hopes that this small change will pave the way for bigger things.
Rafah inferno
29 May, 2024

Rafah inferno

THE level of barbarity witnessed in Sunday’s Israeli air strike targeting a refugee camp in Rafah is shocking even...
On a whim
29 May, 2024

On a whim

THE sudden declaration of May 28 as a public holiday to observe Youm-i-Takbeer — the anniversary of Pakistan’s...
Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

Mobs turn into executioners due to the authorities’ helplessness before these elements.
Persistent scourge
28 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...