Frank Pallone: “Mr. Speaker, while I oppose nuclear testing by India or any other nation, I want to stress that this week's test should…”

“Mr. Speaker, while I oppose nuclear testing by India or any other nation, I want to stress that this week's test should not derail the U.S.-India relationship, which has been growing closer and stronger over the past 5 or 6 years. Particularly in the areas of trade and investment, the United States and India are finding that we have many common interests. In terms of our strategic relationship, this week's news demonstrates, if anything, the need for closer coordination between the United States and India, the world's two largest democracies, and more effective diplomacy in trying to improve stability and working towards a reduction in nuclear weapons arsenals. Mr. Speaker, in light of this week's test, it is particularly important to remember the defense situation that India faces. India shares approximately a 1,000-mile border with China, a nuclear-armed Communist dictatorship that has already launched a border war against India and maintains a large force on India's borders.”