New Delhi - A bipartisan congressional delegation is set to visit India, including two prominent Indian-American lawmakers, Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar. This visit holds significance as the delegation plans to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the Red Fort on Independence Day. Leading the delegation alongside Congressman Michael Waltz, both Khanna and Waltz serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

Khanna and Waltz aim to fortify economic and defense ties between the United States and India, two of the world's oldest and largest democracies. Khanna expressed this sentiment in a media statement, underlining the importance of the US-India relationship in shaping the 21st century. He emphasized India's role as a pivotal partner in maintaining a balanced power structure in Asia and curbing the dominance of China.

During their visit, the delegation will engage with influential figures from various sectors in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi. Their agenda includes meetings with business leaders, technology experts, government officials, prominent media personalities, and a visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

In addition to Ro Khanna and Michael Waltz, the delegation comprises Deborah Ross, Kat Cammack, Jasmine Crockett, Rich McCormick, and Ed Case.

For Ro Khanna, this visit is deeply personal and symbolic. His grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar, actively participated in India's struggle for freedom alongside Mahatma Gandhi. He later became a part of India's first Parliament. Khanna sees this visit as an opportunity to honor his family's legacy and work towards the shared principles of democracy, freedom of the press, assembly, and human rights.

The visit is in line with the historic US-India Summit on the Hill earlier this year, hosted by Khanna and Waltz. This summit brought together government leaders, experts, and Indian-American figures from across the United States.

At 46 years old, Ro Khanna holds the distinction of being the second Indian-American, after Ami Bera, to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans since its establishment in 1993. This visit not only underscores the significance of US-India relations but also highlights the growing influence of Indian-Americans in US politics and international affairs.