Indian Americans rejoice at Obama reelection

WASHINGTON: Indian Americans have welcomed the re-election of the US President Barack Obama, who in his first term appointed a record number of community members to high administration posts.
Elated at his “historic victory”, the Indian Americans, who voted overwhelmingly for him, hope that his second term would further strengthen India-US relationship. Even the Republicans, who campaigned against him during the election season, hoped that Obama will be able give a new thrust to the relationship.
“We need to bring President Obama of his promise to Indian Parliament to secure a seat in the UN Security Council which has not seen much of light since he returned from India. We also hope that President Obama will be India friendly on the issue of out sourcing defense treaties, US investments in India that would help to create more jobs in both the countries,” Dr Sampat Shivangi, who was delegate to the Republican National Convention this year, said.
“I am certain that the warm relationship and the enduring partnership between US and India will continue to grow under the stewardship of President Obama,” said George Abraham, president of Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC), USA.
Barack Obama has won a hard fought battle against Mitt Romney where Asian Indians have supported him with a very wide margin, he said referring to the opinion and exit polls in which the community members voted overwhelmingly for him.
INOC hoped that under Obama US will not pursue protectionist policies in the future as India continues to open up its market through various reform measures such as FDI in multi-brand retail. “America as a champion of free market policies cannot revert back,” it said.
Historically, the Democratic Party and the Indian National Congress have much in common. Each favored farmers, laborers, labor unions, and religious and ethnic minorities, INOC (I) USA said. “They have opposed unregulated business and finance, and favored progressive income taxes. In recent years both the parties have adopted a centrist economic and social democratic agenda,” it said.
“We hope and pray that President Obama is able to overcome the fiscal and economic challenges facing the US Economy which in turn would have a positive impact on the economy of India and the World economy as well,” said Lavika Bhagat Singh, president of the Washington Chapter of the Indian National Overseas Congress (I), USA.

-PTI