US Congress Commemorates 60th Anniversary of India's Independence

Washington, Aug 14 (UNI) A resolution to commemorate the 60th anniversary of India's Independence, was introduced in the US House of Representatives last week which extended its best wishes to the people of India on the occasion.

It also congratulated India on its pursuit of a vibrant democracy, a free-market economy and its commitment to justice for all in a multi-faceted society. It also noted the contributions of the Indian-American community in various fields.

The resolution urged the House of Representatives to recognise India as a long-term strategic partner of the United States.

The resolution, H RES 607, which had since been referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, made special mention of how India had progressed as a secular, sovereign and democratic republic, and praised its ongoing efforts in gender, education, social and economic equality . It also noted how India had opened up its economy to trade and investment especially with the United States which is its largest trading partner of.

It also congratulated India on electing its first female President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on July 25, 2007, 41 years after it elected its first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

The resolution noted how India and the United States were having a strong ongoing partnership regarding the promotion of democratic values, cooperation on international security, and collaboration on strategic initiatives and how Americans of Indian origin are the fastest growing and one of the highest educated immigrant groups in the United States with the tremendous contribution in almost every field of the US.

Congressman Jim McDermott (Democrat, Washington) and Congressman Joe Wilson (Republican, South Carolina) who sponsored the resolution and co-Chairs of the House Caucus on Indians and Indian Americans said India's independence day celebrations were expected on August 15, 2007 in the United States and India and greeted Indians on this proud occasion.

In a statement, Congressman Wilson said," I wish to congratulate India on the 60th Anniversary of their independence. The United States and India share a special relationship in our pursuit of open trade, a vibrant free-market economy, and I am proud to share in this occasion with our friends and ally." ''Together, we have accomplished much already as two sovereign and independent nations, and I believe the best is yet to come,'' he added.

UNI