US Congressman bats for stronger ties with India

Ami Bera, the only Indian American in the US Congress, Saturday called for stronger ties with India to meet challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

"As world's pre-eminent democratic partners, India and the US should further strengthen their historical relationship to lead the world in this century," Bera said, delivering a keynote address at Dayananda Sagar Institutions here.

Noting that the US was strengthening its regional leadership in Asia by dismantling security threats and fighting terrorism, the 48-year-old lawmaker from California said the people in both countries should have freedom to pursue ideas and innovation to change the world.

"I believe that India and America are indispensable partners in meeting the challenges of our time," Bera told students and faculty of the educational institute.

On his maiden visit to the city since being elected to the Congress, the House of Representatives member said shared commitment to innovation and progress made both the countries natural partners.

"One of our shared traditions is our skill for innovation. We are a start-up people. We break norms. We are innovators and willing to take chances on big ideas. It's what sets us apart," Bera observed.

At a meeting with Karnataka Higher Education Minister R.V. Deshpande, Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda, and Food Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao later, Bera discussed diplomatic and economic ties to foster partnerships with the state government.

"We are in the process of rebuilding an economy that works for middle class families and reduce our country's debt in a responsible way," he said.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs committee, Bera is working to open Asian markets to California products to create new jobs.

Dayananda Sagar institutions' chairman Premachandra Sagar and state's former additional chief secretary K. Jairaj were present on the occasion.

Born and raised in California, Bera, a physician by profession, is a proponent of strengthening the US strategic and trading relations with India and Asia.