[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PRESIDENT BUSH'S TRIP TO INDIA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, after President Bush made his first ever 
visit to India last week, I want to lend my personal support to the 
ever-improving relationship between the world's two largest 
democracies. His 3-day visit was another great step towards our two 
Nations' strategic partnership. The United States and India have made 
extraordinary progress over the last several years, and the path that 
lies ahead is critical to our improving relationship.
  Besides the U.S.-Indian civil nuclear cooperation deal, President 
Bush and Prime Minister Singh spoke about a number of important 
initiatives that would enhance cooperation in defense, 
counterterrorism, agriculture, energy and promotion of democracy. Based 
on their shared values of diversity, democracy, and prosperity, the 
growing partnership between the United States and India has created 
profound opportunities that are central to the future success of the 
international community.
  I appreciated that the President put some emphasis on the Kashmir 
conflict. He called for a solution agreeable to all parties and 
emphasized the need for ``tangible progress'' on the issue. The deep-
seated hostility between India and Pakistan, of course, long predated 
the U.S. war on terrorism, but the conflict in Kashmir cannot be 
separated from it. Bush used his trip to urge the leadership of India 
and Pakistan to continue down the road to peace.
  Madam Speaker, last year India and Pakistan agreed to use confidence-
building measures aimed at promoting trade and normal relations, and 
have begun to narrow their differences on the issue of Kashmir. I am 
encouraged by this recent effort to improve the security situation in 
Kashmir. I am also hopeful that cooperation between India and Pakistan 
can continue so we can finally sustain peace in Kashmir.
  Madam Speaker, there is also a growing agricultural cooperation 
between America and India shown by the India Knowledge Initiative on 
Agriculture formulated last July. Fittingly, the President visited with 
farmers and agricultural scientists in the state of Andhra Pradesh, 
where some of the best modern cultivation methods and new farming 
technology are being implemented.
  As a Member from the Garden State of New Jersey, I believe it is 
important that we continue to help developing countries like India 
emulate technologies already adapted by the United States to increase 
farm production. We must support programs like those at Cook College, 
the Rutgers University agricultural school in my district, that are 
committed to providing agricultural solutions through education and 
research. Through their involvement in various international 
initiatives to promote modern research and development, Cook College 
and others are vital to global food production.
  Madam Speaker, energy cooperation is another strong aspect of the 
growing relationship between our two Nations. Just like the U.S., India 
is facing spikes in oil and gas energy prices, and they are searching 
for ways to fuel their rapidly growing economy. As developing economies 
continue to expand and existing industrial economies use more and more 
energy, global demand is leading to serious price increases. That is 
why we must work together to develop alternative sources of energy for 
homes, businesses and cars. We must find ways to promote the 
development of stable and efficient energy markets in India to ensure 
adequate and affordable supplies.
  I hope that over time, the U.S. and India can work together to find 
ways to lessen both Nations' dependence on foreign oil. It is critical 
that we reduce the world's dependence on oil from unstable nations that 
pose security threats to us and our allies.
  Last July, President Bush and the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan 
Singh, agreed that the U.S. would share nuclear technology for India's 
civilian energy use. Since then, chief delegates from both governments 
have been tirelessly negotiating the details of India's separation of 
nuclear power into civilian and military sectors along with 
establishing international oversight for India's civilian programs.

                              {time}  2300

  At the conclusion of his trip, President Bush announced the details 
of an agreement that both parties have signed on to, and now all that 
remains is congressional approval, which I urge my colleagues to 
support when it comes under consideration.
  However, the President's trip to India last week should not be viewed 
merely as a way to complete the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Indeed, 
the President used his time accordingly to discuss all the issues of 
importance to the growing U.S.-India relationship, including peace 
throughout the region and cooperation on global issues like agriculture 
and energy.

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