India, a rising power, shares our core principles: Paul Ryan

Washington, Aug 11: Congressman Paul Ryan, the running mate of Republican Presidential candidate

, is a strong supporter of Indo-

ties and had suggested that every member of the Congress should visit India as that nation shares many of America's "core principles and interests".

Ryan, who had voted in favour of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal and was quick to express his condolences for the Sikh victims last week, was today selected by Romney as his vice presidential running mate.

Part of a Congressional delegation led by the then Speaker of the US House of Representatives in 2006 that visited India, he termed the trip as an "eye opener". He had also termed India as a rising democratic power in the world.

"I think every member of Congress should go to India to see for themselves the kind of global challenges and opportunities that face us as India emerges. It was a real eye-opener," Ryan had said way back in April 2006 after he returned from India.

Ryan had said his India visit was to gain a better understanding of India's commitment to a joint Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, and gain insight into the economic challenges and opportunities an emerging India poses for America.

He is a seven term Congressman from Wisconsin, which last week witnessed a tragic shooting incident in a Gurdwara that left six people dead.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone in Oak Creek who has been impacted by this tragic act of violence," he had said after the incident.

Deeply saddened by the malicious crime, Ryan said: "As additional details are gathered, I am hopeful that we will all come together, united in a shared desire for peace and justice, and stand with the Sikh community as we grieve this loss of life."

PTI