US lawmakers urge stronger India-US ties

KEY US senators and house representatives have joined the celebrations of 75th anniversary of India's Independence of India - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) on Capitol Hill on Sep 21.

They also praised the contributions and achievements of physicians of Indian origin and the larger Indian American community as a celebration of India that has emerged as a model and strong democracy on the world stage, according to a press release.

Recalling his visits to India, Senator Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, said he saw ‘the greatness of the largest democracy in the world in full action.'

Republican Senator Shelley Capito from West Virginia noted how the Indian American community is playing a key role in enriching the cultural experience of her state.

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, co-chair of India Caucus in the House, said India and America have the potential to build on shared values. ‘India has a major role to play in world peace, stabilizing world,' he added.

Describing Indo-US partnership as ‘strategic relationship' Rep. Michael Guest from Mississippi said, ‘We work together to protect freedom and democracies. We work together for the greater good of humanity.'

India and the US are strategic partners and Indian Americans are the key assets in the India-US relationship, said Congressman Ted Deutch.

‘US India relationship is more critical than ever for the world,' said Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna asserting ‘India should not be subject to (CAATSA) sanctions because of its historic relationship with Russia.'