New Delhi, Aug. 26 (ANI): India has a critical role to play in fostering peace and stability in Afghanistan, U.S. Congressman Dr. Ami Bera asserted while addressing a special session hosted by Aspen Institute India earlier today.
Bera, the only Indian-American member in the U.S. Congress, is on his first visit to India since his election in 2012.
Responding to these concerns, the Congressman stressed that India had emerged as a key stabilising force in the region, owing to a range of initiatives pertaining to education, public health and infrastructure in Afghanistan.
"As we work to advance our shared economic prosperity, we must continue to partner in addressing our shared security," said Bera in an engaging discussion moderated by the former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Ronen Sen.
"India has made extraordinary contributions and strategic investments to the effort in Afghanistan. As the U.S. draws down our troops, India has a critical role to play in holding onto and maintaining some of the gains we have made, and a critical role in anchoring stability in that region. So, we must both remain committed to an enduring strategic partnership in the region, both to spur development between the dynamic economies of South and Southeast Asia, and to ensure that we can support the will of the Afghan people as they prepare for the upcoming 2014 elections," the Congressman added.
Highlighting India's rise as a global power, Bera also urged Indian and U.S. investors to build on the fast-expanding canvas of opportunities in the two economies.
"At present, U.S. has an energy surplus, while India has some pressing energy needs. There are opportunities for mutually-beneficial bilateral partnerships not only in the space of renewable energy, but also in shale gas, oil and gas security as well. The future for India-U.S. cooperation looks very bright," said Bera.
He also warned against politicising the issue of immigration, saying, "Issues pertaining to visas and immigration need to be negotiated through regular channels. There are loose ends that need to be mended in U.S. as well as India, and we must refrain from making the issue a political one in both nations."
A robust trading relationship with India is important to the U.S. economy and helps create American jobs. In California, exports to India are worth more than 3.7 billion dollars annually.
Much of Bera's visit will focus on promoting trade and economic development in the Sacramento region, and expanding bilateral economic relationship.
During his two-day visit, Bera will meet Indian government officials, leading policy advocates, and innovators in the non-profit sector to increase his understanding of the India-U.S. relationship, and to explore new opportunities for partnerships.
While in New Delhi, Bera will also participate in a wreath-laying ceremony with U.S. Ambassador Powell, and discuss the U.S.-India economic relationship, specifically opportunities for partnership between India and the Sacramento region, at an event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). (ANI)
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