NEW YORK: A resolution (H.R. 607) commemorating the 60th anniversary of India's Independence was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) on August 2.

The resolution "extends best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire." Both Congressmen are Co-Chairs of the House Caucus on Indians and Indian Americans and introduced the resolution at the initiation of the US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC).

To mark this occasion Congressman Wilson stated, "I wish to congratulate India on the 60th Anniversary of their independence. The United States and India share a special relationship in our pursuit of open trade, a vibrant free-market economy, and the values of a free and democratic society. The contributions of our growing Indian American community have further led to a strengthening of our strategic alliance, and I am proud to share in this occasion with our friends and ally."

"I am proud to sponsor a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that recognizes the 60th anniversary of India's independence, the strong bonds between the US and India, and the significant contributions made by Indian Americans in furthering the relationship," Rep. Jim McDermott said. "Together, we have accomplished much already as two sovereign and independent nations, and I believe the best is yet to come."

The resolution acknowledged India's progress as a secular, sovereign, and democratic republic, and the continual strides it is making in gender, education and social and economic equality. Further mentioning that India has opened up its economy to trade and investment with US as its largest trading partner, the resolution lauds India on its election of the first female President, Pratibha Patil, 41 years after it elected its first female Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The resolution further notes that India and the US have a strong ongoing partnership regarding the promotion of democratic values, cooperation on international security, and collaboration on strategic initiatives; and that Americans of Indian origin are the fastest growing and one of the highest educated immigrant groups in the US, serving in all branches of the US Armed Forces, including in Afghanistan and Iraq.

With foreign direct investment by India continuing to grow at record levels and contributing significantly to the growth of the US economy, the House of Representatives resolved that it: (1) recognizes India as a long-term strategic partner of the United States; (2) applauds the Indian-American community in the United States for the important role it plays in the relationship between the United States and India; and (3) extends best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire.