[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
FOREIGN AID TO INDIA, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS BILL FOR FISCAL 
                               YEAR 1995

                                 ______


                             HON. ROD GRAMS

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. Speaker, in his recent address to the Congress, Prime 
Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao of India has demonstrated the progress 
India has made in the last 47 years of her democracy and how United 
States-India relations have blossomed because of that progress. Mr. Rao 
has helped to lead India's socialist-type economy out of decades of 
protectionism, loosened state control on industries, and cut red tape 
on foreign investment. These kind of reforms have been significant in 
bringing our two countries closer together.
  Our countries have very productive trade relations. The United States 
buys one-fifth of India's exports, more than any other country. Exports 
from India to the United States are growing. Last year they were up 20 
percent alone. India has also enjoyed a trade surplus growing to $1.8 
billion in India's favor in 1992 and 1993.
  However, I am concerned about United States relations with India and 
efforts by Pakistani terrorists to undermine progress in building upon 
this friendship. You will recall that during floor debate over the 
fiscal year 1994 foreign operations appropriations bill, key concerns 
over human rights violations by the Indian Government led to the 
reduction in developmental aid to India by $4.1 million.
  I am glad to know that we did not repeat this mistake this year by 
offering an amendment to the fiscal year 1995 foreign operations 
appropriations bill to reduce the level of aid to India. I am concerned 
that the information presented to Members of Congress is one sided. 
India stands as one of the few democracies that offers positive trading 
opportunities for this Nation. Before we close the door on India, I 
would urge my colleagues to take an objective view at the market 
potential and continued productive relations between our two countries.

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