Ed Royce: “Today we had a luncheon where we heard from Prime Minister Vajpayee. It is always good to see the Prime Minister…”

“Today we had a luncheon where we heard from Prime Minister Vajpayee. It is always good to see the Prime Minister consulting with the Congress and the administration to strengthen the ties between India and the United States. We all know how the ties between India and the United States have solidified over the years. However, since September 11 that relationship has reached new heights. India has been with the United States every step of the way. India has long known the horrors of terrorism, and now the United States has joined India in the fight against terrorism. India quickly condemned the attacks and immediately offered assistance to the U.S. India has provided the intelligence support, as well as the use of its military bases and air space. I had a chance to be there during the international fleet review in Mumbai and see why Colin Powell, our Secretary of State, said that India has the strength to keep the peace in the vast Indian Ocean and its periphery. Today, President Bush is skillfully leading what will be a difficult struggle, but India has demonstrated that it will be a key ally in this war. For that, we are appreciative.”