US House resolution hails India, Dr Singh

Welcoming the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the United States, the House of Representatives has described India as a global player, which can provide stability and security in Asia.

Commemorating the Indo-US relationship, the resolution of the lower house of the Congress commends the maturating of the relationship between the two nations, exemplified by Dr Singh's current official visit which begins from November 22.

"Our partnership with India is built on this foundation: that India's rise as a great power in Asia and as a global player advances critical American interests ranging from the promotion of democracy and democratic values, to improving stability and security throughout all parts of Asia," Congressman Gary Ackerman said in his speech.

Ackerman, known as a friend of India, who twice Co-Chaired the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said the US does not fear a growing India.

"India's values are our values. India is a real democracy, with real institutions that are subordinate to the rule of law; India, though ready to defend itself, doesn't start wars or harbour terrorists; India, though as fastidious as any state about protecting its sovereignty, can be relied upon to keep its word once committed to a treaty or an international agreement," he said.

"India struggles to preserve its tradition of religious, cultural and ethnic pluralism. India safeguards sensitive technologies. India fights terrorism," he said.

"We don't see ourselves when we look at India, though this nation has benefitted immensely from Indians who have become Americans. India is vastly larger in population, vastly older in history, and vastly more complex culturally, with some 2,000 ethnicities, and 29 major languages," Ackerman said.

But we do see similarities and we see a nation committed to lifting itself up by its own means and see do see a nation open to the world, he said.

And we do see a nation committed to the same vision of peace and security that has guided our own nation, he added.

Acknowledging that there would be differences between the two countries, Ackerman said: "Some of them, and I would note particularly the issue of Iran, are very serious.

But as nations committed to a relationship of equals, a relationship of mutual benefit and mutual respect, I believe we can work through our differences and achieve enormous progress in the many areas of our mutual concern.

"Welcoming the visit of the Prime Minister, Ackerman said: "Prime Minister Singh has worked hard to improve our already strong ties, and has courageously taken political risks for our bilateral relationship that few would venture.

"The Congressman said the Prime Minister put his government and his career on line. It wasn't for us, though his victory has certainly proved to be to our advantage. Prime Minister Singh took his chances for India, for its future and for the fulfilment of that country's enormous potential, Ackerman said.