Kevin McCarthy Releases VR Video Of India's Modi's Congressional Speech

In a bid to enhance public accessibility to legislative proceedings, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has released a virtual reality (VR) video of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s address to a joint meeting of Congress, The Hill reports.

Immersive Experience

The video, captured from two VR cameras, offers a 360-degree view of the event, allowing viewers to virtually accompany McCarthy as he initiated the meeting and to witness highlights of Modi’s speech from the House chamber balcony. The immersive experience also includes a roaming shot of Modi walking down the center aisle.

See Also: AI and Ovation: How PM Modi’s Smart Play on Words Celebrating India-US Relations Earned Him Applause

Enhancing Public Access

This innovative use of VR technology, first employed during South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s address to Congress, is part of McCarthy’s efforts to increase the visibility of the House floor to the public. “As part of the re-opening of the Capitol under Speaker McCarthy, the public has been able to have greater access and visibility to the entire legislative process, including new angles during regular business in the chamber,” a McCarthy spokesperson told Semafor.

Modi’s Address

In his speech, Modi highlighted the importance of the U.S.-India relationship and expressed concerns shared by many Americans about China’s role in the Indo-Pacific. However, his address was boycotted by a small group of Democrats due to allegations of human rights abuses, press freedom limitations, and discrimination against India’s Muslim minority.

Read Next: Silver Ganesha, Green Diamond, and Robert Frost: PM Modi, President Biden Exchange Symbolic Gifts

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