INDIAN-AMERICAN congressman Shri Thanedar would be escorting prime minister Narendra Modi to his historic joint address to the US congress on Thursday (22).
The first-time Democratic congressman, who represents the 13th congressional district of Michigan, has also been invited by president Joe Biden for the White House state dinner hosted in honour of Modi on the same day.
It is the second time that Modi is addressing the joint session of the US congress, a first for any Indian prime minister. He had earlier addressed the US Congress in 2016.
“We are looking forward to the prime minister’s visit to the US; this is a historic event for the prime minister. I hope to stress upon the prime minister the need for stronger US-India ties,” Thanedar, 68, said.
Thanedar, a Democrat, said he and his wife are honoured to accept president Biden and first lady Jill Biden’s invitation to the state dinner.
This invitation serves as a testament to their commitment to public service and their dedication to fostering international cooperation, he said.
The congressman said he has been entrusted with the distinct pleasure of escorting the prime minister, as requested by US congressional leadership.
This role holds special significance for congressman Thanedar, who recognises the importance of the US as a diverse nation built by immigrants, a land of opportunity, and a symbol of democracy.
Reflecting on his personal journey, he said, “I grew up in poverty and only came to America with a dream. I was fortunate to achieve my American Dream. The US is a country of immigrants, a land of opportunity, and this diversity makes our country strong.”
Thanedar reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for stronger ties between the US and India. He will focus on crucial areas such as education, defence, space, technology, medicine, and other pressing issues that impact both nations.
By nurturing the relationship between the world’s strongest democracy and the largest democracy, Thanedar aims to address shared challenges and harness mutual opportunities for growth and progress.
(PTI)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)