Recalling the "fond memories" of his visit to India in 2019, the influential lawmaker said his trip provided a chance for him to meet with Indian civil society leaders, security and government officials as well as engage with India's history, culture and diverse religious traditions.
Menendez recalled his visit to the Akshardham Temple, the Jama Masjid and the Golden Temple and commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birthday.
Advertisement"I hope Prime Minister Modi will have the same opportunities to experience all the richness of the United States during his visit," whether it is the "incredible architecture" of the US Capitol dome or the deep generosity of the American people, Menendez said as he wished the Indian leader well in his visit to Washington.
"From our trade and economic engagement to our security cooperation to our people-to-people ties, the India-US relationship is critically important. We have made considerable strides in recent years, and I hope for even more in the future," he said.
He underlined that New Jersey's Indian-American community contributes to the state's and nation's economy, culture, and security.
"So let us pledge to work even harder to bring our two societies closer together" and to make them both more prosperous in the years and decades to come, he said as he ended his message with "Jai Hind" and "God bless America."
Welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the US, Delaware Governor John Carney said in a video message that he hopes the Indian leader enjoys his time in Washington DC.
"This visit will serve as another way for India and the United States to strengthen our economic and cultural relationships," Carney said, recalling his recent visit to India during which he was "struck by the kindness of the people I met there."
He added that as Governor, he takes "great pride" in fostering the sister-state relationship with Gujarat and "know that my fellow Delawarean President Biden feels the same way."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
