[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 14 (Thursday, January 31, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     UNITED STATES-INDIA RELATIONS

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, I rise today to speak 
on the importance of United States-India relations. President Obama 
recognizes this valuable partnership, hosting Indian Prime Minister 
Manmohan Singh at his first state dinner in 2009 and traveling to India 
in 2010. As President Obama begins his second term, it is vital that 
the United States remain committed to deepening our strategic 
partnership with India. In the coming decades, United States-India 
relations will be among the world's most important.
  It is clear that United States-India cooperation on commercial and 
security initiatives over the past decade has resulted in greater 
opportunity for both nations. United States bilateral trade with India 
has increased 4\1/2\ times in the last 10 years, and India is now one 
of the fastest growing export markets for the United States. Last year, 
India became the world's third largest economy in terms of purchasing 
power parity. In 2005, the United States and India signed a 10-year 
defense framework agreement which has greatly expanded bilateral 
security cooperation between our nations. India now conducts more 
defense exercises and personnel exchanges with the United States than 
with any other country.
  As the world's largest democracy, India shares with the United States 
a strong commitment to representative government and the rule of law, 
but these are not the only values that bind us. It is my hope that the 
United States will continue to pursue a course with India that promotes 
collaboration on security, encourages civic engagement and open 
governance, and expands bilateral trade and investment. I look forward 
to a strong United States-India relationship for years to come.

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