Senators move to revive Senate India Caucus

NEW YORK: US Senators Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), who co-founded the Senate India Caucus five years ago, have launched an initiative to revive the caucus by inviting their fellow Senators to join the caucus.

Thirty-three out of the 100 US Senators are currently members of the Senate India Caucus, and has been largely inactive since its inception unlike the India Caucus in the US House of Representatives which is pretty pro-active.

In their letter dated June 1, 2009 addressed to fellow-Senators, the co-Chairmen say:
“In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that India, the world’s largest democracy, and the United States, the world’s oldest democracy, are well suited for not only a partnership, but also a friendship. Robust cooperation between the US and India means increased economic opportunities for both nations, as well as the chance to join together to spread the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy, tolerance and the rule of law throughout the world benefiting Americans and Indians alike.”

“A strong relationship between the US and India, based on mutual trust and respect, will enable close collaboration across a broad spectrum of strategic interests, such as counter-terrorism, promotion of democracy, fostering regional economic development, encouraging respect for human rights, and expanding scientific research.

There is no clearer evidence of the benefits of this strategic partnership than the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement, passed by Congress and signed into law last fall. This landmark initiative paved the way for cooperative efforts in peaceful civilian nuclear power, representing the latest example of the US and India working together on an issue of mutual benefit.”

The Senators further say, “In the coming years, Congress should aim to fortify this strategic partnership and help foster even deeper cooperation between the US and India. To that end, the Senate India Caucus provides a forum for members of the Senate to work closely with Indian government officials, Indian Americans and other friends of India in the US to help promote the already flourishing relationship between our countries and candidly discuss issues of common concern.

Furthermore, some 2 million American citizens are of Indian descent, representing one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in our country. Every day, members of this expanding community make tremendous contributions to US industry, politics, culture, and philanthropy, and their positive impact on our country continues to increase.”

Urging fellow Senators to join the Caucus, the co-chairmen said that in doing so, they would help send a message that the US and India stand together as friends to face even the most difficult and pressing issues of our time.

An inaugural 2009 event is being planned for this summer, the letter says.

India Post News Service