Commending India on Its Celebration of Republic Day

COMMENDING INDIA ON ITS CELEBRATION OF REPUBLIC DAY -- (House of Representatives - March 10, 2004)

Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 15) commending India on its celebration of Republic Day.

The Clerk read as follows:

H. Con. Res. 15

Whereas the Republic of India is the world's largest democracy;

Whereas on January 26, 1950, India adopted its Constitution, which formalized India as a parliamentary democracy;

Whereas the celebration of India's Republic Day on January 26th is the second most important national holiday after Independence Day;

Whereas the framers of India's Constitution were greatly influenced by the American Founding Fathers James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams;

Whereas among the rights and freedoms provided to the people of India under its Constitution is universal suffrage for all men and women over the age of eighteen;

Whereas India's Constitution adopted the American ideals of equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, gender, or ethnicity;

Whereas the basic freedoms we cherish in America such as the freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion are also recognized in India;

Whereas Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi is recognized around the world as the father of India's nonviolent struggle for independence;

Whereas people of many faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, were united in securing India's freedom from colonial rule and have all served in various capacities in high-ranking government positions;

Whereas the Republic of India has faithfully adhered to the principles of democracy by continuing to hold elections on a regular basis on the local, regional, and national levels;

Whereas the people of the United States and the Republic of India have a common bond of shared values and a strong commitment to democratic principles; and

Whereas President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee are elected leaders of the world's two largest democracies and are actively cultivating strong ties between the United States and India: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress-

(1) commends India on its celebration of Republic Day; and

(2) reiterates its support for continued strong relations between the United States and India.

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Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important Resolution commending the incredibly diverse, democratic nation of India on the celebration of its Republic Day.

This Resolution reiterates the overwhelming Congressional support for continued strong relations between the United States and India. And it notes India's commitment, under the Indian constitution, for universal suffrage; equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, gender, or ethnicity; and protections for freedom of speech, association and religion.

Our two nations are "natural allies," as Prime Minister Vajpayee has stated. For while our alliance is relatively young, it has already begun to flourish based on our shared values and commitment to democratic principles.

In recognition of our growing relationship, the gentleman from New York (Mr. CROWLEY) and I led a delegation of nine members of Congress to India in January.

During our trip, we were privileged to be received by a number of Mr. Vajpayee's Ministers and we engaged key policymakers in thoughtful discussions on issues ranging from Kashmir and Pakistan to this year's national elections in both India and the United States.

While we certainly discussed, and even debated, a number of issues on which our countries have legitimate differences, the lasting impressions were the broad areas of agreement and cooperation, and the strength and dynamism of the growing U.S.-India relationship.

Madam Speaker, the mutual respect demonstrated in these discussions was a clear sign of our maturing relationship and the trust between us.

For example, our armed forces now regularly participate in joint exercises involving all branches of the military, and the sale of U.S. military equipment to India approached $200 million last year.

In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, India pledged its full cooperation and offered the use of all its military bases for counterterrorism efforts. And India continues to play a key role in stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

Our economic cooperation also is noteworthy. In fact, the nearly 60% increase in total trade between the United States and India since 1996 illustrates that.

With more than 1 billion citizens, India still faces many problems. And the increasing engagement with the United States will help India to address them.

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