"Just as we share values of democracy, freedom, tolerance

and diversity, there is an increasing convergence of our interests across major global issues. Today, it is an exciting time for India-US relations when we have a virtually limitless horizon of what we can achieve together, with our futures linked in so many ways," Rao said, in a statement, congratulating Peter Roskam on being selected as Co-Chair to the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. Rao said one of the mainstays of the India-US strategic partnership is the spirited bipartisan support for this relationship in the US Congress embodied by the this caucus, just as there is a strong consensus for thriving India-US relations across the political spectrum in India. "We are also fortunate to have a vibrant and dynamic Indian American community in the United States, which acts as a bridge personifying the friendship between our two great nations and is an increasingly important player in shaping the future of our partnership," Rao said. "We are confident that under your leadership, the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans will grow further in strength and dynamism, add greater momentum to the vital strategic ties between our two countries, and substantively energize our historic mission to promote prosperity in both India and the US," she said. Yesterday, Republican Congressman from Illinois Roskam was selected as its co-chair for the 113th Congress, while Joe Crowley from New York would continue to be its co-chair from Democratic Party. "Our countries are linked through our common interest in the democratic process, global security and international prosperity. In my meetings back home with the large Indian-American community in my district, there's always a natural connection between their entrepreneurial spirit and our shared values. This caucus has the opportunity to further these priorities and I'm proud to be part of that effort," Roskam said in a statement. Roskam replaces Congressman Ed Royce as Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus. "The Caucus is in good hands with Reps Roskam and Crowley, long-time advocates of close US-India ties," said Royce, who is now Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee. "I will continue to work to strengthen relations between the United States and India," he said. Established in 1994, the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans serves as a forum in which Members of Congress may address the concerns vital to this important South Asian nation.