[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR SIDDHARTHA SHANKAR RAY, INDIA'S ENVOY TO 
                               WASHINGTON

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute and bid a fond 
farewell to Ambassador Siddhartha Shankar Ray, India's envoy to 
Washington since 1992. I am certain he will be successful in achieving 
his goals when he returns to India.
  During his service, relations between the United States and India 
have grown to new heights. In his position, he has stressed the 
importance of ties to India. High level visits by U.S. officials have 
increased significantly since Ambassador Ray came to Washington. Since 
Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao instituted his historic economic 
reform program for India in 1991, United States investment in India has 
grown at a substantial rate.
  In Washington, Ambassador Ray has been able to express India's 
concerns in an articulate manner. He has publicized the huge market 
potential that India possesses for business investments and consumer 
goods. Also, he has worked to improve the strategic relationship 
between the United States and India in South Asia.
  Since 1957, Ambassador Ray has served the citizens of the world's 
largest democracy. He has been a member of the West Bengal Assembly, a 
member of the Lower House of the Indian Parliament, Governor of Punjab, 
Chief Minister of West Bengal, and Minister of Education, Social 
Welfare and Culture for India. The appointment of such an experienced 
and respected public servant demonstrates the level of importance that 
the Government of India places on its relations with the United States.
  Both Ambassador Ray and his wife, Mrs. Maya Ray, have played an 
important role in building United States-India relations during the 
post cold war era. When he returns to India, I am confident that 
Ambassador Ray will continue to be a strong advocate of cordial and 
fruitful United States-India relations.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Ambassador Ray 
for his service, and I wish him and his wife best wishes for the 
future.

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