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Important Issues in
US India Relations

Joint Statement between Prime Minister Dr. Singh and President Obama: INDIA AND THE UNITED STATES: PARTNERSHIP FOR A BETTER WORLD

11/24/09: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama today reaffirmed the global strategic partnership between India and the United States, and launched a new phase in this partnership. Commending the deepening bilateral cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies across a broad spectrum of human endeavors, the two leaders recognized that the common ideals and complementary strengths of India and the United States today provide a foundation for addressing the global challenges of the 21st century.

The two leaders noted that the shared values cherished by their peoples and espoused by their founders – democracy, pluralism, tolerance, openness, and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights – are acquiring an increasingly greater prominence in building a more peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, secure and sustainable world. These values are exemplified by the vibrant linkages between their peoples, which are a unique asset for both countries, and are reflected in the role played by the Indian-American community.

The two leaders resolved to harness these shared strengths and to expand the U.S.-India global partner- ship for the benefit of their countries, for peace, stability and prosperity in Asia, and for the betterment of the world. To this end, they committed to build upon the India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue announced in July 2009. President Obama stated that the United States looks forward to a stable and prosperous India playing an increasingly important role in world affairs.

[read joint statement]

India's Strategic Defense Transformation: Expanding Global Relationships

by Brian K. Hedrick, Military Advisor to the Asst. Secretary of State for South and Central Asia at the State Department.

India's defense establish- ment is undergoing an unprecedented transform- ation as it seeks to (1) modernize its military, (2) obtain "strategic partner- ships" with the United States and other nations, and (3) expand its influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The author explores the nature of this transform- ation, offers insights into the history of Indian defense relations, and suggests implications to U.S. foreign and defense policy. (Nov. 2009)

[Read full text]

The United States and India 3.0

In a policy brief released in October 2009, Ashley Tellis, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, has said:

On the eve of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s first state visit to Washington since Barack Obama took office, the United States and India must agree on three vital security issues to ensure that their relations continue to deepen: terrorism, Kashmir, and the balance of power in Asia.

U.S.–India relations are off to a strong start under President Obama following an unprecedented strengthening during the Bush administration. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton scored high points on her visit to India in July, emphasizing economic and social development, and making a number of symbolic gestures to reaffirm India’s importance to the Obama administration. But relations can only advance so far unless India is assured of U.S. support on its major security challenges.

[read full text]

Developing India's Foreign Policy "Software"

In a landmark paper, Daniel Markey, Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, outlines significant shortcomings in India’s foreign policy institutions that undermine the country’s capacity for ambitious and effective international action. Markey proposes steps that both New Delhi and Washington should take, assuming they aim to promote India’s rise as a great power.
[ Read executive summary and the full article (PDF)]

US-India Strategic Partnership: Where is it Headed?

Presentation delivered by Ram Narayanan of US-India Friendship at a roundtable on "US-India Relations" organized by SAPRA India Foundation on January 16, 2007 at the India International Center, New Delhi.
[Read text of presentation]

Saja Forum's Review of Ram Narayanan's Work

SAJA (South Asia Journalists Association) Forum has published on November 17, 2006 a web description of the work I do in promoting US-India relations.
[Read text of blog]

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Objective of US-India Friendship

Dear Friends of India,

We are at the crossroads of international partnerships. The Cold War is a fading memory, and while military power remains important, political, economic and cultural structures around the world are increasingly the true foundations of cooperation.

In this regard, India and the United States could not be more alike. Although in economic terms India is only now experiencing faster economic growth, many of us are optimistic that this path will lead to the kind of vibrant and responsive economic structures that now support American markets. Alongside this economic parallel is the natural bond that flows from being the planet's largest democracies.

What role can Indian Americans and friends of India play in ensuring that these opportunities grow to their full potential?

We must be heard in the corridors of power, and for that to happen, we must speak to those who would act on our thoughts. Every representative in Congress must be made aware that funding support as well as support at the voting booths is at least partly contingent on the voting records of congressmen and women in matters relating to US-India relations.

On these pages, US-India Friendship will help make your voices for strong Us-India relations heard with purpose and conviction. We hope that you will use the links and the information we provide to participate with vigor. Together, we will fulfill both the promise and the obligation of our free societies.

Ram Narayanan
Editor-Coordinator
US-India Friendship.net


Indian Population Explodes in the U.S.: 2000-2005

Indian-American community fastest growing in US

The Indian-American community is the fastest growing community as a whole in the United States, according to an IACPA (India Abroad Center for Political Awareness) press release analyzing the US Census 2000 Results for the Indian-American population.

Among all the listed ethnic groups as per a sample study for 2000 carried out by the US Census Bureau and published in "Asian-Nation: The Landscape of Asian America," Indian Americans (called "Asian Indians") outperform all other racial/ethnic groups in most measures of socioeconomic achievement; have the highest educational rates (an astounding 64.4% have college degrees while 12.5% have an advanced degree including a law, medical, or doctorate degree); have the highest median family income; the highest rate of being Married with Spouse Present; and the highest rate of working in a High-Skill Occupation, generally characterized as executive, professional, technical, or upper management.

Indian Parliament Building, New Delhi, India
U.S. Capitol Building, Washington DC USA

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