[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            ON THE 53RD ANNIVERSARY OF INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate India on it 
53rd anniversary as an independent democratic republic.
  Fifty-three years ago India under the leadership of Mahatma Ghandi 
forged a path towards freedom and democracy by declaring its 
independence from Britain. With independence India undertook anew a 
responsibility as a voice of other newly independent nations in the 
post-colonial world.
  India is the world's largest democracy, and in the next fifty years 
it will become the worlds most populous nation. As we celebrate India's 
independence it is important for us to reflect on the achievements of 
the previous 53 years while at the time looking forward to the future.
  India and the United States share much in common. Both countries 
sought independence to create great nations based on freedom and 
liberty. Both nations also sought to establish a more prosperous future 
for its people.
  As we enter a new century it is important for the United States to 
recognize India's importance as a great democracy and as a force for 
stability in South Asia. While India faces many challenges it has 
nonetheless undertaken an important role of working towards greater 
prosperity and stability in the region.
  India is of immense strategic importance to the United States. Being 
the only democracy and one of three nuclear powers in the region India 
has the potential to be a force for economic development and political 
stability.
  South Asia is a vast region that faces many challenges, from the 
civil war in Afghanistan to great poverty that still haunts much of the 
region. It is therefore vital for the United States to maintain a 
dialogue with as many nations in the region as possible. India's 
cooperation in brining about stability to the region will be essential.
  Over the past ten years the United States and India have taken 
concrete steps to improve their bilateral relations. Trade, investment, 
and military cooperation have played a major role in bringing the two 
nations closer.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the India Caucus I have come to recognize 
the importance of India in South Asia. I am also proud to have worked 
on making additional funds available to India and other nations of 
South Asia for the creation of regional emergency institution similar 
to our own FEMA, so that we can save more lives in a future natural 
disaster.
  As you know Mr. Speaker, President Clinton worked very hard to foster 
U.S.-Indian relations and to bring greater regional stability. I 
encourage President Bush, to continue America's leadership in South 
Asia. I particularly encourage President Bush to call upon Pakistan to 
return to a democratic government and to work with India for peace in 
Kashmir.
  As the United States Representative of the second largest South Asian 
community in the Untied States I would like to congratulate India on 
this achievement, and seek greater understanding and relations between 
our two great democracies.

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