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"There is a great change that is taking place in the last four-five years," Singh said at the inaugural function attended by Jim McDermott, co-chairperson of the India caucus in the US House of Representatives, and Congressman Frank Pallone. "What we need is to build on this and the remarkable degree of confidence that we have in each other. Let Indo-US relations not be defined by the differences that we could possibly have as we travel down this road."
Stating that India as the world's largest democracy and the US as a great democracy have a lot in common, he said these are "not simply today's relations, but also of tomorrow's relations".
Lauding the contribution made by American citizens of Indian origin, he said they had made significant impact in diverse areas, including industry, medicine, commerce, management, information technology and pharmaceuticals. "They are a great success story," he said. "They are the guarantee for the soundness of Indo-US relations for tomorrow."
Referring to terms like 'caucus' and 'lobbyist', both accepted parts of the American political system, Singh said that because of the socio-political experience in India, Indians attach a different, negative meaning to them and have a tendency to look down upon lobbying and lobbyists. "We must understand that language must not divide us," he stressed.
The minister, however, said it was "unrealistic" to think that the two countries would agree on every issue.
McDermott said Americans of Indian origin had made a tremendous impact on the political process of the United States.
Referring to the Prevention of Terrorism Bill passed by Parliament on Tuesday, he said it was very much like the US Patriot Act passed after the September 11 terrorist attack on his country.
He said the question of a secular government and religious freedom was not something confronting only India, but also the US.
He said the US appreciates that India had stepped forward without hesitation to condemn the September 11 attacks and also declared its resolve to join the international campaign against terrorism.
Pallone said the India caucus was the largest such grouping in Congress with over 120 members and played an important role in making Indian views on key issues known in the US, besides working to bring the two countries closer.
He said the caucus could play an important role in improving trade and economic co-operation between the countries. There are unlimited opportunities that need to be tapped, he pointed out.
Congress politician Kapil Sibal, co-chairperson of the forum, felt that parliamentarians of the two countries coming together would enable the two sides to understand each other better. This would also be an important channel to discuss and resolve differences between them.
Swadesh Chatterjee, an Indian American from North Carolina, spoke of the increasing influence wielded by the community in the United States in the last three decades.
Rajiv Shukla, convenor of the forum, said 16 sub-committees would be set up to focus on a wide range of important issues like terrorism, national security and trade policy.
R S Lodha, president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, underlined the significance of Track II diplomacy and the business synergy between India and the US. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptulla was also present.
PTI
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