Congressional Statements

Wilson Dedicated to Strengthening U.S. – India Partnership

WASHINGTON – June 25, 2008 - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) delivered the following remarks today during a hearing held by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia entitled “More Than Just the 123 Agreement: The Future of U.S.-Indo Relations.”

“Thank you, Chairman Ackerman for holding this hearing today on US-India relations. As a longtime supporter of strengthening the partnership between the United States and India, I believe it is important that we discuss and recognize that U.S.-Indo relations is indeed much more than a 123 Agreement.

“As a young child, I remember my father telling me about his time serving in India as a member of the Flying Tigers during World War II. His stories about entrepreneurial and hardworking people taught me valuable lessons about the culture and people of India. Since those days, our relationship with India has become a growing alliance that partners our dedication to democracy – after all, America is the world’s oldest democracy and India is the world’s largest democracy – and our willingness to be active participants in the global economy and marketplace as well as our strategic responsibilities in a rapidly changing world.

“The United States and India need to continue to be fair and willing partners on economic, energy, and national security issues. I hope the political difficulties that have stalled movement on the civil nuclear agreement can be overcome. I also hope that we cooperate with India on advancing research into new energy sources. With their rapidly expanding economy, the people of India will increasingly need access to affordable energy as will the people of the United States. This will be mutually beneficial.

“Lastly, the security of both our nations is the ultimate responsibility of our respective governments and surely the primary concern of all of our citizens. In the Global War on Terrorism, we have common enemies, and we can learn from our Indian partners how to defeat terrorists who have attacked India for 60 years and killed over 60,000 citizens. Moving forward, there needs to be a robust and respectful debate about our strategic defense relationship and without a doubt the discussions over energy and economic growth will contribute to that debate.

“No relationship between any two nations will be without disagreements or competing interests at times. There are tremendous national, regional, and global concerns that the people of India must address, but I have confidence they can and will. It is, in my estimate, vital that the United States continue to seek a fair and mutually respectful partnership with the people of India as evidenced by the tremendous progress in the last three years.

“America has been enriched by the immigration of 2.2 million citizens from India who have been vital to business, medical, and hospitality industries in America. With my personal experience as co-chair of the India Caucus – the largest country caucus in Washington which reflects an appreciation of India – and through my many years of friendship with the Indian American community, I value today’s hearing and look forward to the testimony.

“Again, I wish to thank Chairman Ackerman and my fellow committee members for this opportunity.”