Additional Statements

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, I am honored to serve a State with one of the largest Indian American diasporas in the country.

The Indian diaspora community in New Jersey is an active, vocal and engaged constituency whose contributions to the State reach across all sectors. When given the opportunity, the very first caucus I joined in the Senate was the U.S.-India caucus. Soon after I joined the caucus, I had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Modi during his visit to the United States. His visit signaled a meaningful moment in the relations between the United States and India. It became clearer that the oldest and newest democracies can forge a transformational relationship to leverage the historic opportunities before us.

Together, the United States and India represent over one-fifth of the world's population and share long-term strategic imperatives in the areas of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, social and economic development, and regional and global security that are rooted in our shared commitment to democratic ideals. President Obama has aptly referred to this relationship as the ``defining partnership of the 21st century.'' As the United States pursues greater clean energy production and sustainable manufacturing here at home, we can and should take advantage of opportunities to further collaborate on technologically advanced clean energy solutions.

Together, we can leverage both American and Indian assets to address the challenges both our countries face in job creation, social mobility, and clean energy. Prime Minister Modi has also emphasized the importance of sustainable growth and ensuring that diversified, environmentally conscious energy sources are made accessible to all Indians. I am encouraged by Prime Minister Modi's commitment to economic and social policies that not only invest in infrastructure but that also develop India's human capacity. With half of its population under the age of 25 and a recent election that saw a 66-percent voter turnout, it is clear that India is set to harness the potential of its most valuable resource--its young people.

In order to compete in a global economy, the United States and India must both expand opportunities for youth education and employment. By engaging private sector actors in our mutual development goals, I believe together we can address these challenges and turn them into opportunities for cooperation.

As this partnership continues to grow, so will the benefits for both of our countries and for New Jersey. The Indian American population in New Jersey has grown by 73 percent in the past decade, and many Indian Americans serve our state as industry and community leaders. New Jersey is the No. 1 benefactor of Indian investment in job creation, with approximately 9,278 jobs and over $1 billion in investment in a variety of sectors from telecom and technology to healthcare and manufacturing.

As the Senate adjourns for the summer recess, I do not want to miss the opportunity to highlight India Day, which will be observed next week. India Day celebrates the rich history and legacy of India's contributions to communities across the United States.

On August 10, I will have the distinct honor and privilege to welcome Ambassador Singh to New Jersey. I look forward to working with Ambassador Singh as we partner together to foster investment opportunities, create collaborations between our world-renowned higher education institutions, and cultivate platforms to facilitate volunteerism and giving. I look forward to fostering the continued growth of the strong relationship between New Jersey and India.

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