Modi made the rare address to a joint meeting of Congress on the same day President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host him for a state dinner, an honor reserved for the closest allies of the U.S.

“Now, when our era is at a crossroads, I am here to speak about our calling for this century,” Modi told lawmakers, drawing applause in the House chamber. “I can relate to the battles of passion, persuasion and policy. I can understand the debate of ideas and ideology. But I am delighted to see you come together today to celebrate the bond between world’s two great democracies: India and the United States.

Despite criticisms of Modi’s leadership, U.S. political leaders in both parties view India as a vital ally in containing the rise of China and a partner on defense, technology and energy.

Modi told lawmakers, drawing applause in the House chamber. “I can relate to the battles of passion, persuasion and policy. I can understand the debate of ideas and ideology. But I am delighted to see you come together today to celebrate the bond between world’s two great democracies: India and the United States.

“I agree with President Biden that this is a defining partnership of this century,” he said. “Because it serves a larger purpose. Democracy, demography and destiny give us that purpose.”

While Modi has faced criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and advocates over human rights and his country’s reluctance to break with Russia in its war in Ukraine, the Biden administration and leaders of both major parties are unified in their belief that India is a vital ally for Washington’s top foreign policy goal — containing the rise of China — and a partner on defense, technology and energy.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted an official dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Several notable guests including Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Mukesh Ambani, Nancy Pelosi and others attended the dinner.