Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the U.S. Congress Wednesday calling for closer ties between the two countries, especially in fighting terrorism. Modi called the United States an “indispensable partner.” Modi thanked House Speaker Paul Ryan for the invitation to speak for the first time at the U.S. Capitol, which he called a “temple of democracy.” Modi noted that India is the world’s largest democracy, committed to “freedom, democracy and equality.” “Our independence was ignited by the same idealism that fueled your struggle for freedom.” He told Congress that his nation and the U.S. have overcome “the hesitations of history.” Modi spoke about new problems around the world presented by terrorism. He thanked the Congress for taking action against extremist groups. “The fight against terrorism has to be fought at many levels. And, the traditional tools of military intelligence or diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight.”