US lawmakers call for improved India-US ties

The US termed India as their most important strategic partner

Terming India as the most important strategic partner, top US lawmakers have called for improving the bilateral ties.

Addressing an event organised by the US India Business Council at the Capitol Hill, Congressman Joe Crowley observed that there is a tremendous amount that binds the two countries together.

Crowley described India as the most important strategic partner of the US for this century. "There is only upward. There is no going backward," he said.

"We shouldn't just swing for the fences but focus on short term attainable goals," Senator John Cornyn, Co-Chair of the powerful Senate India Caucus said.

During the event, the lawmakers discussed a number of short and long-term priorities for reinvigorating the US India relationship, including goals for enhanced trade opportunities, energy exports and visa policy that will be beneficial to both nations.

Cornyn said there is need to focus on short term goals while also working on long term objectives i.e. a Bilateral Investment Treaty now and Free Trade Agreement later.

Taking into account the view of the Indian companies and Indian government on the pending immigration reform, Senator Mark Warner said the changes needs to be fair and not discriminate against any companies or countries.

"Do not miss the forest through the trees by focusing on some recent diplomatic and trade issues," he said in an apparent reference to the Devyani Khobragade issue.

Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, Warner said, "We need to use the opportunity of a new government to focus on priorities.