Joe Wilson: “last Tuesday I welcomed to Capitol Hill India's Ambassador to the United States, Lalit Mansingh, and Minister Ajay…”

“last Tuesday I welcomed to Capitol Hill India's Ambassador to the United States, Lalit Mansingh, and Minister Ajay Swarup. I applaud the Indian government, one of the world's two largest democracies, for fighting the common enemy of international terrorism. Together, America and India can make South Asia and the world a safer place. I am happy to see economic ties with India booming. Trade increased since 1991 from $15 million to $15 billion today, and 2 million Indian- Americans have enriched America with their business acumen. With the victory of democracy in the Cold War, friendship has been restored between the people of India and America. I support President Bush's initiatives in building a strong partnership between America and India. I commend the efforts of Ambassador Mansingh and Minister Swarup in their efforts to bring America and India closer together as allies.”