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“U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1459-E1460 on Sept. 13, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS
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HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 12, 2000
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing H. Res. 572, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that it is in the interest of both the United States and India to expand and strengthen U.S.-India relations, intensify bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and broaden the on-going dialogue between the United States and India, of which the upcoming visit to the United States of the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is a significant step.
This coming Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee will address a joint session of Congress. His historic visit comes at a precious moment in U.S.-Indian relations. The world's two largest and most vibrant democracies are in the process of creating a relationship that truly reflects our mutual interests.
Both of our governments are dedicated to the protection of the rule of law, democracy and freedom of religion. Our citizens share a fervent faith in these core values. It is also why India and the United States see eye-to-eye on so many regional concerns.
China's hegemony, the spread of Islamic terrorism spilling out of Afghanistan and Pakistan, the narco-dictatorship in Burma, China's illegal occupation of Tibet, are serious concerns to both of our nations.
During this past summer, the world was horror stricken when Islamic terrorists gunned down some 101 Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir. The massacre came only two weeks after the largest militant Kashmiri group, Hezb-ul Mujahadeen, called for a cease fire. The killings were apparently done to sabotage any attempt to peacefully broker a settlement to the Kashmir crises. All of us are outraged by the brutal barbaric killings of innocent civilians.
Such malicious extraordinary violence reinforces my conviction that India and the United States must develop a much closer military and intelligence relationship. A special relationship is needed so that we can share our knowledge and skills in order to successfully confront our mutual enemies who wish to destroy the basic principles of our societies.
Regrettably, the State Department creates confusion among our friends and allies in Asia by promoting a ``strategic partnership'' with China and by ignoring the fact that Beijing, in violation of the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty, transfers and sells nuclear and ballistic weapons technology to Pakistan, a militaristic nation that spreads terrorism throughout South Asia by supporting the Taliban and other repressive forces. China has also sold billions of dollars of arms to the narco dictatorship in Burma that borders on India.
We need to lift the remaining sanctions that were imposed on India for testing nuclear weapons. As long as the State Department permits China to go unchecked and it continues to stoke the fires in South Asia, India will need to be able to defend itself.
The Prime Minister's address to Congress this week will afford all of our Members of the House and Senate the opportunity to hear about issues of importance in the U.S.-India bilateral relationship, including trade, energy, investment, science, information technology, as well as cooperative efforts to combat terrorism and to achieve regional peace and security in South Asia--a region of prime importance to our national interests.
As the current Indian government works to ensure that India remains secure, we should be marching shoulder-to-shoulder with her during this new century.
I look forward to meeting with the Prime Minister and working closely with him and his government on initiatives that bring peace and prosperity to India and Asia, and even stronger bonds of friendship between our two nations.
I submit the full text of H. Res. 572 for the Record and I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
H. Res. 572
Whereas the United States and the Republic of India are two of the world's largest democracies that together represent one-fifth of the world's population and more than one-fourth of the world's economy;
Whereas the United States and India share common ideals and a vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy are the strongest foundations for peace and prosperity;
Whereas in keeping with this vision India has given refuge to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Burmese refugees fleeing repression in Burma, and is a refuge for people in the region struggling for their basic human rights;
Whereas the United States and India are partners in peace with common interests in and complementary responsibility for ensuring international security and regional peace and stability;
Whereas the United States and India are allies in the cause of democracy, sharing our experience in nurturing and strengthening democratic institutions throughout the world and fighting the challenge to democratic order from forces such as terrorism;
Whereas the growing partnership between the United States and India is reinforced by the ties of scholarship, commerce, and increasingly of kinship among our people;
Whereas the industry, enterprise, and cultural contributions of Americans of Indian heritage have enriched and enlivened the societies of both the United States and India; and
Whereas the bonds of friendship between the United States and India can be deepened and strengthened through cooperative programs in areas such as education, science and technology, information technology, finance and investment, trade, agriculture, energy, the fight against poverty, improving the environment, infrastructure development, and the eradication of human suffering, disease, and poverty: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
(1) the United States and the Republic of India should continue to expand and strengthen bilateral security, economic, and political ties for the mutual benefit of both countries, and for the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia;
(2) the United States should consider removing existing unilateral legislative and administrative measures imposed against India, which prevent the normalization of United States-India bilateral economic and trade relations;
(3) established institutional and collaborative mechanisms between the United States and India should be maintained and enhanced to further a robust partnership between the two countries;
(4) it is vitally important that the United State and India continue to share information and intensify their cooperation in combating terrorism; and
(5) the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to the United States is a significant step toward broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between United States and India.
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