US Legislators greet India on its 60th Independence Day

Washington, Aug 16 (UNI) Several US lawmakers including presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton today greeted India on the 60th anniversary of the country's Independence.

In a statement today, Senator Clinton said she was delighted to join millions of Americans who trace their roots to India, in celebrating the 60th anniversary of India's birth as an independent nation.

"India, as the most populous democracy in the world has much in common with the United States, the oldest continuing democracy in the world. We share many values and similar challenges. Whenever I have visited India, I have been impressed by the hospitality of her people and the gracious welcome accorded to me by her government", she said.

As the co-chair of the Friends of India Caucus in the Senate, Ms clinton said she has been privileged to work with many in the Indian-American community. "Today Indian Americans are found in all walks of life, who care for our sick, educate our youth, manage our corporations, and support our local communities and national economy with their small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit", she added.

"Indian-Americans have the highest median household income of any ethnic group in the United States. Over one-third of its adult population has earned an advanced degree. They are truly striving for and living the American dream. Indian-Americans embody the work ethic, family values, and commitment to education that have made America a stronger and better nation", she said.

She said she was committed to working with Indian-Americans and the larger Asian American and Pacific Islander community to promote policies that help to meet the community's underserved needs and also recognize the valuable contributions they make to their communities and to the nation.

Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of India's independence, US Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens&the Bronx), in a statement called it an important milestone for India, one of the United States' true friends and strategic partners.

"India is the world's largest democracy, and is rapidly getting more and more recognition as an economic powerhouse and growing world power", Mr Crowley said.

"As a member of both the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that the partnership between India and the United States grows even closer", he said.

Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney in a statement said, "on the 60th anniversary of India's independence, we celebrate the contributions of Indian-Americans to the United States. Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand how the Indian-American community has enriched our nation with its values and culture. Many Indian-Americans are also at the forefront of building our nation's vibrant economy in various sectors including health care, business, education, science and technology." "As the world's two largest democracies and as partners in fighting terror, India and the United States have a historic opportunity to forge a more powerful partnership based on our shared values and strategic interests. Together, India and the United States can serve as twin beacons of freedom against those who preach intolerance and extremism. We should strengthen our nations' ability to advance our mutual interests internationally in the United Nations and elsewhere, while working closely to build security and prosperity for our peoples and the world", he added.

UNI