Netanyahu's Congress Address Garners Multiple Ovations, Yet Falls Short Of Modi's 2023 Record

Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday was marked by multiple standing ovations. But not as much as PM Narendra Modi has received during his address last year in June 2023.

Twice, standing ovations were given from both sides of the chamber when Netanyahu praised President Joe Biden. Another standing ovation was prompted when Netanyahu condemned political violence following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, as reported by Times Now.

However, when Netanyahu praised former President Donald Trump for the Abraham Accords, applause and cheers came from Republicans, while Democrats remained seated.

A significant applause was received by Netanyahu as he concluded his speech, calling for a long-lasting relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Members from both parties stood to applaud the 74-year-old leader, with only a few protesting his speech during the event.

Notably, President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other prominent Senators, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and Brian Schatz, were among the six Democrat Senators who did not attend the speech. Comments from observers included remarks that Netanyahu would not receive such a reception anywhere in Israel and that the ovations were more for the state of Israel than for Netanyahu personally, as per local media reports.

One user noted that despite differing opinions, the standing ovation for Netanyahu was seen as justified due to the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas. Netanyahu concluded his speech with a call for unity between America and Israel, stating, "When we stand together, something really simple happens: We win, they lose."

Modi's Historic Congress Address: An Hour of Ovations and Cheers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nearly hour-long address to the U.S. Congress was met with multiple standing ovations, applauses, and cheers from American lawmakers, as well as chants of 'Modi, Modi' from members of the diaspora community seated in the grand House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol.

The Indian leader became the first to address the joint session of Congress twice, having first done so in 2016. A rousing reception greeted Modi as he entered the House Chamber, with lawmakers rising to applaud him as he approached the podium, as reported by NDTV.

Members of the Indian-American community in the visitor galleries erupted into applause and chanted 'Modi, Modi' as he made his way in. Modi waved to the diaspora before beginning his address, which was met with about 15 standing ovations and multiple rounds of applause from U.S. lawmakers.

During his speech, Modi referred to Kamala Harris, the first Black, South Asian, and female Vice President, highlighting her Indian heritage. The mention elicited acknowledgement and applause from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who smiled at Congressmen Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi, both of Indian origin, as per media reports.

Modi's address also prompted light-hearted laughter from lawmakers, particularly when he noted the significant contributions of Indian Americans, including their repeated successes in the Spelling Bee competition. As the address concluded, a prolonged standing ovation and applause were given by both lawmakers and members of the Indian-American community.

As Modi exited the chamber, several lawmakers gathered to shake his hand, congratulate him, and request autographs on special copies of his speech, while the community continued to shout 'Modi, Modi' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' (Victory for Mother India).