WASHINGTON, DC—House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD); Representative Joe Crowley (NY), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans; and Representative Eliot L. Engel (NY), the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs hosted a roundtable to discuss the future of the U.S.-India relationship. The lawmakers were joined by members of the Indian-American community, business leaders, diplomats, and Obama Administration officials to explore potential avenues for closer collaboration between the two countries.
“America has much to gain through close engagement and partnership with the world’s largest democracy,” said Whip Hoyer. “A stronger India is positive for the United States and the world, and could serve as a force for greater stability, security, and prosperity. I am pleased to be working to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including many from the Indian-American community who will surely continue working to enhance U.S.-India ties in the years to come.”
“The United States and India aren’t just friends, we are natural partners rooted in our shared values and interests. From economic ties and tourism, to defense and cultural relations, the multifaceted relationship between the U.S. and India is growing at a rapid pace. And as India has assumed an essential role on the global stage, U.S.-India ties have never been more relevant,” said Rep. Crowley. “This dialogue is an important step in fostering the U.S.-India relationship and discovering new opportunities to grow and develop what has the potential of becoming the most important bilateral relationship in the world.”
“The ties between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. India has become an important economic, political, and security partner for the United States and we must find ways to further strengthen the many areas where we are already working together,” said Rep. Engel. “I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the United States this September and I hope today marks the first of many discussions about how our countries can work together to drive prosperity and opportunity for all our citizens.”
Representatives Hoyer, Crowley and Engel have committed to engaging with the Indian-American community on a wide range of issues concerning the bilateral relationship. Both during the roundtable and in potential future meetings, the lawmakers will work to identify possible areas for near-term collaboration and work to address challenges in the U.S.-India partnership.
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