[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 107 (Wednesday, September 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1459-E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing H. Res. 572, a 
resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that it 
is in the interest of both the United States and India to expand and 
strengthen U.S.-India relations, intensify bilateral cooperation in the 
fight against terrorism, and broaden the on-going dialogue between the 
United States and India, of which the upcoming visit to the United 
States of the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is a 
significant step.
  This coming Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee will 
address a joint session of Congress. His historic visit comes at a 
precious moment in U.S.-Indian relations. The world's two largest and 
most vibrant democracies are in the process of creating a relationship 
that truly reflects our mutual interests.
  Both of our governments are dedicated to the protection of the rule 
of law, democracy and freedom of religion. Our citizens share a fervent 
faith in these core values. It is also why India and the United States 
see eye-to-eye on so many regional concerns.
  China's hegemony, the spread of Islamic terrorism spilling out of 
Afghanistan and Pakistan, the narco-dictatorship in Burma, China's 
illegal occupation of Tibet, are serious concerns to both of our 
nations.
  During this past summer, the world was horror stricken when Islamic 
terrorists gunned down some 101 Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir. The massacre 
came only two weeks after the largest militant Kashmiri group, Hezb-ul 
Mujahadeen, called for a cease fire. The killings were apparently done 
to sabotage any attempt to peacefully broker a settlement to the 
Kashmir crises. All of us are outraged by the brutal barbaric killings 
of innocent civilians.
  Such malicious extraordinary violence reinforces my conviction that 
India and the United States must develop a much closer military and 
intelligence relationship. A special relationship is needed so that we 
can share our knowledge and skills in order to successfully confront 
our mutual enemies who wish to destroy the basic principles of our 
societies.
  Regrettably, the State Department creates confusion among our friends 
and allies in Asia by promoting a ``strategic partnership'' with China 
and by ignoring the fact that Beijing, in violation of the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty, transfers and sells nuclear and ballistic

[[Page E1460]]

weapons technology to Pakistan, a militaristic nation that spreads 
terrorism throughout South Asia by supporting the Taliban and other 
repressive forces. China has also sold billions of dollars of arms to 
the narco dictatorship in Burma that borders on India.
  We need to lift the remaining sanctions that were imposed on India 
for testing nuclear weapons. As long as the State Department permits 
China to go unchecked and it continues to stoke the fires in South 
Asia, India will need to be able to defend itself.
  The Prime Minister's address to Congress this week will afford all of 
our Members of the House and Senate the opportunity to hear about 
issues of importance in the U.S.-India bilateral relationship, 
including trade, energy, investment, science, information technology, 
as well as cooperative efforts to combat terrorism and to achieve 
regional peace and security in South Asia--a region of prime importance 
to our national interests.
  As the current Indian government works to ensure that India remains 
secure, we should be marching shoulder-to-shoulder with her during this 
new century.
  I look forward to meeting with the Prime Minister and working closely 
with him and his government on initiatives that bring peace and 
prosperity to India and Asia, and even stronger bonds of friendship 
between our two nations.
  I submit the full text of H. Res. 572 for the Record and I urge my 
colleagues to support the resolution.

                              H. Res. 572

       Whereas the United States and the Republic of India are two 
     of the world's largest democracies that together represent 
     one-fifth of the world's population and more than one-fourth 
     of the world's economy;
       Whereas the United States and India share common ideals and 
     a vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy 
     are the strongest foundations for peace and prosperity;
       Whereas in keeping with this vision India has given refuge 
     to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Burmese refugees fleeing 
     repression in Burma, and is a refuge for people in the region 
     struggling for their basic human rights;
       Whereas the United States and India are partners in peace 
     with common interests in and complementary responsibility for 
     ensuring international security and regional peace and 
     stability;
       Whereas the United States and India are allies in the cause 
     of democracy, sharing our experience in nurturing and 
     strengthening democratic institutions throughout the world 
     and fighting the challenge to democratic order from forces 
     such as terrorism;
       Whereas the growing partnership between the United States 
     and India is reinforced by the ties of scholarship, commerce, 
     and increasingly of kinship among our people;
       Whereas the industry, enterprise, and cultural 
     contributions of Americans of Indian heritage have enriched 
     and enlivened the societies of both the United States and 
     India; and
       Whereas the bonds of friendship between the United States 
     and India can be deepened and strengthened through 
     cooperative programs in areas such as education, science and 
     technology, information technology, finance and investment, 
     trade, agriculture, energy, the fight against poverty, 
     improving the environment, infrastructure development, and 
     the eradication of human suffering, disease, and poverty: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) the United States and the Republic of India should 
     continue to expand and strengthen bilateral security, 
     economic, and political ties for the mutual benefit of both 
     countries, and for the maintenance of peace, stability, and 
     prosperity in South Asia;
       (2) the United States should consider removing existing 
     unilateral legislative and administrative measures imposed 
     against India, which prevent the normalization of United 
     States-India bilateral economic and trade relations;
       (3) established institutional and collaborative mechanisms 
     between the United States and India should be maintained and 
     enhanced to further a robust partnership between the two 
     countries;
       (4) it is vitally important that the United State and India 
     continue to share information and intensify their cooperation 
     in combating terrorism; and
       (5) the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of India, Atal 
     Bihari Vajpayee, to the United States is a significant step 
     toward broadening and deepening the friendship and 
     cooperation between United States and India.

     

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