India a key partner of US: Republican Party

Calls for strengthening the working relationship and renewal of historic ties between the 2 countries

Terming India a geopolitical ally and strategic trading partner of the US, the Republican Party has called for strengthening the working relationship and a renewal of "historic ties" between the two countries.

"We welcome a stronger relationship with the world's largest democracy, India, both economic and cultural, as well as in terms of national security. We hereby affirm and declare that India is our geopolitical ally and a strategic trading partner," declared the party's platform adopted by the Republican national convention that began in Tampa yesterday.

The party also stressed at "encouraging" New Delhi for "permitting" greater foreign investment and trade and urged for "protection" for adherents of all India's religions.

It also lauded the contribution made by US citizens of Indian ancestry in development of the country.

Noting that the aftermath of last decade's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan has put "enormous pressure" on the political and military infrastructure of Pakistan, which continues to face "internal" and "external" threats of terrorism, the party, during the convention, stressed for a stronger working relationship between the US and India.

On the issue of withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the party platform said future decisions by a Republican President will never subordinate military necessity to domestic politics or an artificial timetable.

It also found that withdrawal of around 30,000 "surge" troops sent to the war-torn nation two years back, which comes weeks before this year's presidential polls, is against the advice of top military commanders of the President.