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)
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, in Scunthorpe, northern England, Britain, March 31, 2025. REUTERS/Dominic Lipinski
The FBU is planning to introduce new internal policies and wants the TUC to take action as well. (Representational image: iStock)
FBU chief raises concern over rise in racist online posts by union members
THE FIRE Brigades Union (FBU) and other trade unions are increasingly concerned about a rise in racist and bigoted online comments by their own members and officials, according to Steve Wright, the FBU’s new general secretary, speaking to the Guardian.
Wright said internal inquiries have revealed dozens of cases involving members using racist slurs or stereotypes, often aimed at asylum seekers.
He said similar issues were reported in other unions, prompting a joint campaign to counter false narratives around immigration and race promoted by far-right groups online.
“People with far-right views are becoming more brazen in what they do on social media, and I’ve witnessed it with my own union around disciplinary cases and the rhetoric of some of our own members,” Wright said to the newspaper.
He added, “Some of our members and sometimes our reps have openly made comments which are racist and bigoted. In my time in the fire service, that has gone up.”
The FBU is planning to introduce new internal policies and wants the TUC to take action as well. A formal statement addressing far-right narratives will be launched at the union’s annual conference in Blackpool next month.
Wright cited the influence of social media and figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage as factors contributing to these incidents. “It feels like an itch that we’ve got to scratch,” he said.
The FBU barred a former official last year for allegedly endorsing racist content on X, including posts from Britain First and Tommy Robinson.
Wright also warned that the union could strike if the government moves to cut frontline fire services.