US consul general stresses importance and power of democracy

Mumbai, July 6 (UNI) United States Consul General Michael S Owen has stressed the importance and power of democracy, which binds his country with India.

Speaking at the celebration of the 231st anniversary of American independence here last wednesday night, Mr Owen said,''The world's largest and oldest democracies, United States and India, have many shared values. From civil nuclear cooperation, trade and investment, educational and cultural exchanges, collaboration in science and technology, to health care and agriculture, the relationship between the US and India is excellent.'' ''The idea that governments should answer to citizens and not vice versa is a very powerful one. We've had to admittedly struggle at times to uphold this idea in our own country, but it is nonetheless an idea that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. When we celebrate our National Day, we're not just celebrating the history of our country, we're celebrating that important idea that is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence,'' he said.

''The closeness of our relationship is reflected in people-to-people exchanges as well. Last year, some 80,000 Indian students studied at American colleges and universities, and that number continues to climb. The number of Indian visitors to the US also continues to climb at double-digit rates every year. we expect to issue almost 75 per cent more visas in 2007 than we did in all of 2006. There are currently some two million Americans of Indian origin who are living and working successfully in the US, and they are contributing greatly to American society: they are teachers, professors, successful businesspeople, and they are increasingly going into politics,''he said.

Mr Owen said the new Consulate building in Bandra-Kurla Complex in suburban Mumbai will be completed by this time next year. ''It is a 100 million USD investment and I think it symbolizes the level of commitment that the US has to the relationship with India,'' he added.

UNI