[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E91]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                FAREWELL TO INDIA'S ENVOY TO WASHINGTON

                                 ______


                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of the very 
finest diplomats it has been my pleasure to work with during my tenure 
on the House International Relations Committee, India's Ambassador to 
the United States, Siddhartha Ray.
  I worked closely with Siddhartha during my service as chairman of the 
House International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, and 
we have enjoyed a close friendship for the last 4 years.
  During his years in Washington, Siddhartha worked tirelessly to 
improve Indo-United States relations, and to promote policies designed 
to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan. In both of these areas, 
he was enormously successful.
  Ambassador Ray and his embassy effectively publicized the importance 
of the Indian market to American business. It was during Ambassador 
Ray's tenure that the United States Secretary of Commerce led a high 
level business delegation to India.
  Ambassador Ray was equally effective in helping to curtail the South 
Asian arms race by effectively arguing against the administration's 
plan to transfer advanced fighter aircraft to Pakistan.
  Siddhartha and his delightful wife Maya were an extraordinary team in 
Washington. They came to this post after distinguished careers in law 
and government. Siddhartha came to understand the workings of the U.S. 
Congress as only a former Member of Parliament could.
  I join my colleagues in wishing Siddhartha and Maya Ray the very best 
of luck in their future endeavors, and we hope to see them back in 
Washington often.

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