[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 24, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S6892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 255--WELCOMING THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA TO THE 
     UNITED STATES FOR MEETINGS TO ADVANCE THE UNITED STATES-INDIA 
                              PARTNERSHIP

  Mr. WARNER (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Menendez, and Mr. Kirk) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 255

       Whereas, on August 15, 1947, India became a sovereign, 
     democratic nation;
       Whereas India is the world's largest democracy, embracing 
     fundamental liberties and freedoms, justice, and the rule of 
     law;
       Whereas India is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-
     religious society that promotes tolerance, diversity, and 
     equality;
       Whereas a strong relationship with India, the world's 
     largest democracy, is critically important to United States 
     interests;
       Whereas the 2014 parliamentary elections in India are a 
     further opportunity to strengthen the democratic institutions 
     of the world's largest democracy;
       Whereas the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, 
     has led his government in undertaking a series of reforms 
     designed to strengthen the Indian economy and transform the 
     bilateral economic relationship into a true strategic 
     partnership;
       Whereas India is one of the world's fastest growing and 
     dynamic economies, and a strong, economically competitive 
     India is ultimately good for American business and American 
     jobs;
       Whereas the 100,000 Indians who are studying in the United 
     States and the 2,700,000 Americans of Indian descent living 
     in the United States, including Nobel Laureates, artists, 
     business leaders, journalists, and public servants, have 
     contributed enormously to the rich social, political, and 
     economic fabric of the United States;
       Whereas India serves as a pivotal and effective partner in 
     ensuring international peace and security and is the third 
     largest contributor of personnel to United Nations 
     peacekeeping missions;
       Whereas security and defense cooperation between the United 
     States and India continues to grow, as India remains a 
     steadfast partner in countering the rise of extremists and 
     currently participates in more naval exercises with the 
     United States than any other nation;
       Whereas the Defense Trade Initiative is successfully 
     realigning India and United States procurement processes and 
     United States military sales to India have totaled almost 
     $9,000,000,000 in the last several years;
       Whereas India is the largest regional contributor to 
     reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and will be an 
     important partner in the transition of United States forces 
     from Afghanistan in 2014;
       Whereas the market economy in India has contributed to 
     increased economic opportunities, reduced poverty, and 
     accompanying stability;
       Whereas foreign direct investment and a transparent and 
     progressive investment climate can play a critical role in 
     economic development in India and strengthening United 
     States-India economic relations;
       Whereas the foundation of a strong economic partnership 
     between India and the United States requires a mutual respect 
     for innovation and an investment environment that fosters 
     continued research and development;
       Whereas a Bilateral Investment Treaty would provide 
     protections for investors and help unleash needed investment 
     in India;
       Whereas furthering the bilateral dialogue on trade and 
     investment is key to broadening and deepening the economic 
     relationship between the United States and India, which can 
     provide both Indian and American companies increased 
     opportunities for exports; and
       Whereas a strong relationship between the people and 
     Governments of the United States and India, based on mutual 
     trust and respect, will enable the countries to more closely 
     collaborate across a broad spectrum of interests, such as 
     global peace and prosperity, counterterrorism, defense, 
     nonproliferation, economic prosperity, energy and climate 
     change, education, scientific research, outer space, public 
     health, and agriculture: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) warmly welcomes the Prime Minister of India, Dr. 
     Manmohan Singh, on his visit to the United States, which 
     provides a timely opportunity to reinforce the United States-
     India relationship and make progress on a number of fronts;
       (2) believes that together, the Governments of India and 
     the United States can bring immense benefits to their people 
     and make enormous contributions to addressing the global 
     challenges of the 21st century;
       (3) looks forward to making progress on a range of issues 
     to deepen and broaden the strategic partnership between India 
     and the United States;
       (4) welcomes continued progress towards a Bilateral 
     Investment Treaty;
       (5) supports progress and implementation of the landmark 
     United States-India civil nuclear agreement;
       (6) acknowledges that the progress made by the Government 
     of India on economic reforms has opened new channels for 
     foreign direct investment, and believes further 
     liberalization can bring increased prosperity to both 
     countries; and
       (7) recognizes there is strong potential to grow the 
     bilateral relationship and increase cooperation between the 
     United States and India, elevating the relationship to an 
     even stronger strategic partnership.

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