[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 255 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 255

Welcoming the Prime Minister of India to the United States for meetings 
            to advance the United States-India partnership.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

           September 25 (legislative day, September 24), 2013

   Mr. Warner (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Menendez, and Mr. Kirk) 
 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Welcoming the Prime Minister of India to the United States for meetings 
            to advance the United States-India partnership.

Whereas, on August 15, 1947, India became a sovereign, democratic nation;
Whereas India is the world's largest democracy, embracing fundamental liberties 
        and freedoms, justice, and the rule of law;
Whereas India is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society 
        that promotes tolerance, diversity, and equality;
Whereas a strong relationship with India, the world's largest democracy, is 
        critically important to United States interests;
Whereas the 2014 parliamentary elections in India are a further opportunity to 
        strengthen the democratic institutions of the world's largest democracy;
Whereas the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has led his government 
        in undertaking a series of reforms designed to strengthen the Indian 
        economy and transform the bilateral economic relationship into a true 
        strategic partnership;
Whereas India is one of the world's fastest growing and dynamic economies, and a 
        strong, economically competitive India is ultimately good for American 
        business and American jobs;
Whereas the 100,000 Indians who are studying in the United States and the 
        2,700,000 Americans of Indian descent living in the United States, 
        including Nobel Laureates, artists, business leaders, journalists, and 
        public servants, have contributed enormously to the rich social, 
        political, and economic fabric of the United States;
Whereas India serves as a pivotal and effective partner in ensuring 
        international peace and security and is the third largest contributor of 
        personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions;
Whereas security and defense cooperation between the United States and India 
        continues to grow, as India remains a steadfast partner in countering 
        the rise of extremists and currently participates in more naval 
        exercises with the United States than any other nation;
Whereas the Defense Trade Initiative is successfully realigning India and United 
        States procurement processes and United States military sales to India 
        have totaled almost $9,000,000,000 in the last several years;
Whereas India is the largest regional contributor to reconstruction efforts in 
        Afghanistan and will be an important partner in the transition of United 
        States forces from Afghanistan in 2014;
Whereas the market economy in India has contributed to increased economic 
        opportunities, reduced poverty, and accompanying stability;
Whereas foreign direct investment and a transparent and progressive investment 
        climate can play a critical role in economic development in India and 
        strengthening United States-India economic relations;
Whereas the foundation of a strong economic partnership between India and the 
        United States requires a mutual respect for innovation and an investment 
        environment that fosters continued research and development;
Whereas a Bilateral Investment Treaty would provide protections for investors 
        and help unleash needed investment in India;
Whereas furthering the bilateral dialogue on trade and investment is key to 
        broadening and deepening the economic relationship between the United 
        States and India, which can provide both Indian and American companies 
        increased opportunities for exports; and
Whereas a strong relationship between the people and Governments of the United 
        States and India, based on mutual trust and respect, will enable the 
        countries to more closely collaborate across a broad spectrum of 
        interests, such as global peace and prosperity, counterterrorism, 
        defense, nonproliferation, economic prosperity, energy and climate 
        change, education, scientific research, outer space, public health, and 
        agriculture: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) warmly welcomes the Prime Minister of India, Dr. 
        Manmohan Singh, on his visit to the United States, which 
        provides a timely opportunity to reinforce the United States-
        India relationship and make progress on a number of fronts;
            (2) believes that together, the Governments of India and 
        the United States can bring immense benefits to their people 
        and make enormous contributions to addressing the global 
        challenges of the 21st century;
            (3) looks forward to making progress on a range of issues 
        to deepen and broaden the strategic partnership between India 
        and the United States;
            (4) welcomes continued progress towards a Bilateral 
        Investment Treaty;
            (5) supports progress and implementation of the landmark 
        United States-India civil nuclear agreement;
            (6) acknowledges that the progress made by the Government 
        of India on economic reforms has opened new channels for 
        foreign direct investment, and believes further liberalization 
        can bring increased prosperity to both countries; and
            (7) recognizes there is strong potential to grow the 
        bilateral relationship and increase cooperation between the 
        United States and India, elevating the relationship to an even 
        stronger strategic partnership.
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