Congresswomen Tulsi Gabbard travelling to India

WASHINGTON: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first ever Hindu to be elected to the US House of Representatives, would travel to India this week at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation.

"I was delighted to accept the invite of Prime Minister Modi. He is a leader whose example and dedication to the people he serves should be an inspiration to elected officials everywhere," she said ahead of her December 15- January 3 visit.

On her maiden trip to India, 33-year-old Gabbard will engage with several senior government and industry representatives.

"I look forward to investing in efforts that can strengthen the relationship of the world's largest democracies," she said.

The Congresswoman from Hawaii will discuss issues like advancing common global interests, including counter-terrorism and military cooperation, harnessing the potential of India's high skilled work force via H-1B visas and tourism promotion, a media release said.

"The potential for my country-- the US and India-- is extremely bright and I wish to enhance this potential through my visit to India," she said.

She was elected for second consecutive term in elections to the US Congress held last month.

Gabbard will travel to New Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Ahmedabad during her two-week trip.

"We are delighted to have Rep Gabbard in India to help further strengthen the India-US relationship," said Kathleen Stephens, US Chargé d'Affaires in India.

Gabbard is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. She is also a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

As a practising Hindu, her visit is also aimed at highlighting the spiritual contributions of India to the world, the statement said.