[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             WELCOMING INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MANMOHAN SINGH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome India's distinguished Prime 
Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. I was recently pleased to join 70 of my 
colleagues in encouraging Speaker Hastert to invite Prime Minister 
Singh to address a joint session of Congress during his visit to the 
United States. I am honored that Dr. Singh has chosen to accept 
Congress's invitation.
  During a visit to New Delhi in early 2001, I had the opportunity to 
meet with several government officials, including Dr. Singh, who then 
served as economic advisor to the Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi. 
Already distinguished as the author of India's most successful economic 
plan, Dr. Singh's wisdom and common sense were evident. I was 
pleasantly surprised when, in May 2004, Manmohan Singh was sworn in as 
India's fourteenth Prime Minister. Dr. Singh's position as leader of 
the world's largest democracy, his keen intellect, and his successful 
economic plan for India lend him the admiration of governments around 
the world.
  An accomplished economist, Dr. Singh began service in the Indian 
government in the 1970s. Ever since, his shrewd intellect and 
thoughtful consideration of complex matters have distinguished him 
among his colleagues. His elevation to the position of Prime Minister 
speaks volumes about his country's respect for intelligence and 
integrity in public leaders.
  India is beginning to realize its enormous potential, and I am 
continually impressed by its citizens. When I came to Congress in the 
beginning of 1999, the first Member organization that I joined was the 
Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, which seeks to 
inform Members of Congress about issues of particular importance to the 
sub-continent. Since then, my interest in India and my respect for its 
people have only grown.
  As the world's largest democracy and second most populous country, 
India has faced and overcome challenges that few can fully appreciate. 
Through aggressive investment in its education system and 
infrastructure, India has experienced impressive growth as an economy 
and as a nation. After years of growth and advancement, India's 
position in the global community has never been stronger.
  I was pleased to join my colleagues yesterday in supporting House 
Resolution 364, which commends the continuing improvement in U.S.-India 
relations. The close relationship that our governments share advances 
the interests of our Nation and our people.
  Mr. Speaker, I welcome Dr. Manmohan Singh to this joint session of 
Congress. I look forward to hearing Dr. Singh speak, and I look forward 
to continuing to build the important and special relationship between 
our two countries.

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