[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 19, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        INDIA IS VOCAL FOR LOCAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2020

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was grateful to read 
in The Wall Street Journal (May 13) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra 
Modi in a nationally televised speech pledged to boost economic self-
sufficiency amid the Wuhan Virus pandemic.
  With 1.3 billion people locked down since March 25th the country has 
suffered historic job losses as nonessential industries have been 
completely shut down. Prime Minister Modi is inspiring the people of 
India with the slogan ``Lets be vocal for local''.
  America is fortunate to have such an incredible leader of the Indo-
Pacific. I was present firsthand several years ago with Ambassador 
Nikki Haley to welcome the Prime Minister to the Center Ring of Madison 
Square Garden in New York City. Last year I was present at the historic 
Red Fort in New Delhi for the Prime Minister's Independence Day 
address, and later in Houston with President Donald Trump for the Howdy 
Modi event with over 50,000 attending in the largest welcoming 
celebration for a foreign head of state in the history of the United 
States.
  I am confident with the obvious warm relationship of Prime Minister 
Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump that the families of India and 
America will prevail over the Wuhan Virus.
  Now more than ever India, the world's largest democracy will partner 
with America, the world's oldest democracy for mutual prosperity of 
creating jobs. With the dedicated leadership of President Kavee Kumar 
of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce there can be a replication 
of one of capitalism's most phenomenal successes. Indian Americans 
develop over half the hotels, motels, and hospitality centers across 
America with the leadership of AAHOA led by President Cecil Staton and 
Vice President Chirag Shah.

                          ____________________