Relationship with India critically important: US senators

WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of three top US Senators have said that a strong relationship with India is critically important to American interests, ahead of meeting between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the White House this week.


Welcoming the Indian Prime Minister on his US visit, senators Mark Warner, John Corny and Robert Menendez introduced a Congressional resolution which says that there is a strong potential for increasing the bilateral relationship between both the countries.

Commending the progress of the partnership, the resolution acknowledged that the economic reforms has opened new channels for FDI, and believed further liberalisation can bring increased prosperity to both the countries.

The resolution said the discussions between both the leaders should facilitate further economic liberalisation, open new channels for FDI, continue progress towards a bilateral investment treaty and implement the US-India civil nuclear agreement.

"While we have made significant progress in transforming the US-India relationship from a friendship to a true partnership, we must continue to implement many of these policies that have been under discussion for several years," said Warner, Co-Chair of the Senate India caucus.

"I hope these meetings with Prime Minister Singh and the delegation provide that opportunity," he said.

The US and India share a commitment to democracy, security, prosperity, and the rule of law, and that has formed the bedrock for a growing economic and security relationship, said Senator Corny, Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus.

"It is my hope that the US-India partnership, based on mutual respect and trust, will continue to grow and provide even greater opportunities for the people of both nations," he said.

Senator Menendez, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee said the US-India partnership continues to strengthen, and Singh's visit further reflects the close ties between the two nations.

"From implementing the US-India civil nuclear agreement and integrating India into a global nonproliferation regime, to enhancing opportunities for FDI and working together to foster and reward innovation, this relationship is a vital one and that spirit of cooperation will only grow," he said.

Noting that a strong relationship with India, the world's largest democracy, is critically important to US interests, the resolution said that Singh has led his government in undertaking a series of reforms designed to transform the bilateral economic relationship into a true strategic partnership.

The resolution said that India is ultimately good for American business and jobs, as it serves as a pivotal and effective partner in ensuring international peace and security and is the third largest contributor of personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The 1,00000 Indians who are studying in the US and the 2,700,000 Americans of Indian descent living in the country, including Nobel Laureates, artists, business leaders, journalists and public servants have contributed enormously to the rich social, political and economic fabric of America, it said.

According to the resolution, security and defence cooperation between the US and India continues to grow as New Delhi remains a steadfast partner in countering the rise of extremists and currently participates in more naval exercises with the United States than any other nation.

India is the largest regional contributor to reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and will be an important partner in the transition of United States forces from Afghanistan in 2014, the resolution said.