NEW YORK: A national committee named "Indian American Physicians for Sen. McCain" has been formed to bring a united front of like minded Indian physicians under one umbrella to work towards electing Republican Presidential candidate Sen.

John McCain as President in the coming elections.Dr Sampat Shivangi of Jackson, MS, Co Chair of Indian American Republican Council and past delegate at the National Republican convention had an opportunity to have a luncheon meeting with Sen. McCain last week in Jackson, which was attended by prominent Republican party leaders in the state that included Gov.

Haley Barbour, his wife, US Senator Thad Cochran, US Senator Roger Wicker, Senator Trent Lott (Ret), Congressman Chip Pickering and Mrs. Cindy McCain and Mrs. McCain Senator McCain's mother).According to Dr Shivangi, Sen. McCain appreciated the contributions of Indian American Community especially the Indian American Physician community.

The discussion included the formation of a Committee to support the Senator for his Presidential bid. "Sen. McCain has stood by India as a friend and has supported the majority of bills in the US Senate including US-India Civil Nuclear treaty," Dr Shivangi says.

"He is a national hero and a strong supporter against terrorism and fundamentalists needs our support in the forthcoming elections."The National Committee would work along the lines of a similar committee that was formed to elect President George Bush in the past, according to Dr Shivangi.