WATCH: ‘India is the mother of democracy,’ Indian PM Modi says in address to U.S. Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi touted India as “the mother of democracy” in a speech delivered to a joint session of Congress on Thursday, and lauded the relationship between the United States and his nation, amid criticism of human rights conditions under his leadership.

“Democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity. Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse. Democracy is the culture that gives thought and expression,” Modi said.

“India is blessed to have such values from time immemorial. In the evolution of the democratic spirit, India is the mother of democracy.”

Modi’s appearance in Congress was one stop on his state visit to cement partnerships on key issues with the U.S. Earlier in the day, Modi was welcomed by President Joe Biden at the White House.

“Our partnership augers well for the future of democracy. Together, we shall give a better future to the world, and a better world to the future,” Modi said.

Modi also said India has emerged from “1,000 years of foreign rule in one form of the other.” This period would include British colonialism, as well as the Mughal Empire, a Muslim dynasty which ruled India for two centuries. Modi has previously used references to the Mughals in ways that critics have said fuel Hindu nationalism.

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