US Senate passes unanimous resolution on India and PMs visit
Lalit K Jha/ PTI / Washington Nov 23, 2009, 09:53 IST
Welcoming the State Visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the US Senate today passed a unanimous resolution saying that India and the United States can together make "enormous contributions" in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
Introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd, Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, and co-sponsored by as many as 18 other Senators, the resolution said the Senate "believes that together the governments of India and the US can bring immense benefits to their people and make enormous contributions to addressing the global challenges of the 21st century."
A similar resolution was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives last week.
The Senate resolution is considered to be significant as it was passed during the course of a rare weekend meeting of the US Senate which discussed the issue of health insurance reform.
"Warmly welcoming Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, on his official state visit," the Senate said it looks forward to the continuing progress in relations between India and the United States.
Acknowledging the significant cooperation between the two countries, the resolution said India serves as a pivotal and effective partner in ensuring international peace and security and is the third largest contributor of personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Speaking during the brief discussion on the resolution, the House Majority Leader Representative Steny Hoyer said: "In India we see a vital partner on issues of national security to world trade. We see a nation that confronts many of the threats that challenge America, from terrorism to global warming".
Republican member Gary Ackerman said India's rise as a global player benefits American interests in Asia.
"India's rise as a great power in Asia and as a global player advances critical American interests ranging from the promotion of democracy and democratic values, to improving stability and security throughout all parts of Asia."
Content Guide
