US Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Resolution on US-India Partnership

New York/Washington, Nov 18 (PTI) Two US lawmakers have put forward a bipartisan resolution acknowledging the strategic partnership between the United States and India. This initiative commends Delhi for its increased purchases of American energy resources and highlights the necessity for ongoing bilateral cooperation to tackle challenges such as counterterrorism. Democratic US Representatives Ami Bera and Republican Joe Wilson introduced this measure, emphasizing the partnership's strategic value between the world's two largest democracies.

The resolution, introduced on Monday, focuses on decades of growing cooperation between the US and India in defense, technology, trade, counterterrorism, and education. It underscores India's essential contribution to regional stability, economic advancement, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

For over three decades, successive US administrations have aimed to fortify this partnership, recognizing its significance for regional balance, democratic governance, and economic development. The document calls for continued US-India collaboration on 21st-century challenges, including counterterrorism, cyber threats, and technological advancements.

The resolution also highlights people-to-people connections strengthened by the Indian American community and notes the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in 166 casualties, including citizens from both nations. Additionally, it addresses the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, for which The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The US government's subsequent designation of the group as a foreign terrorist organization signals aligned efforts to hold such groups accountable.

The resolution emphasizes enhanced counterterrorism cooperation between the US and India as crucial for ensuring citizen safety, disrupting terrorist networks, and promoting a rules-based international order. It acknowledges India's growing energy needs, lauding its increased imports of US energy resources as a boost to mutual energy security and bilateral cooperation.

This bilateral relationship holds considerable promise for substantial benefits to the citizens of both nations and addressing global challenges of the 21st century. The resolution reaffirms the robust partnership between the two countries, premised on shared strategic interests, such as peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Further collaboration opportunities are encouraged in defense, commerce, and investment. It accentuates the need for ongoing counterterrorism efforts, notably the swift prosecution of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack's perpetrators.

The resolution underscores the significant contributions of Indian Americans in numerous fields, from business and academia to public service and the arts, exemplifying the American Dream through their dedication and innovation.

Historic people-to-people events, like the ‘‘Howdy, Modi!’’ gathering in Houston in 2019 and the ‘‘Namaste Trump’’ event in Ahmedabad in 2020, celebrate the enduring friendship between American and Indian citizens.