Frank Pallone: “I am always pleased to lend my personal support to strengthening the partnership between India and the United States…”

“I am always pleased to lend my personal support to strengthening the partnership between India and the United States, and today I rise to express my support for the recent civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement between the world's two largest democracies. I also urge my colleagues to support such an agreement when it comes under consideration in Congress. Based on their shared values of diversity, democracy and prosperity, the United States and India have a natural connection. The growing bilateral relationship between the United States and India is creating new and profound opportunities between our two countries. We have shared democratic values and national interests that have fostered a transformed relationship that is central to the future success of the international community, and that includes the global war on terrorism and slowing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Building this strategic partnership was unforeseen a few years ago, but its success is important in creating a strong democratic foundation in Asia. Mr. Speaker, India, which has long been a victim of terrorism, was the first to offer its services to the United States in its war on terrorism in Afghanistan. The Bush administration has made separation of India's military and civilian nuclear facilities an important benchmark by which to judge India's seriousness.…”