Rep. Joe Wilson    Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA)

WASHINGTON: The House International Relations Committee adopted a Concurrent Resolution on Feb. 25 commending India for its democracy and its support for strong relations with the United States.

The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and the Indian Americans. It was co-sponsored by six leading lawmakers and had the support of 32 Congressmen. It commended India on its celebration of Republic Day, which was held on Jan. 26, and recognized India as a Parliamentary democracy.

The resolution noted that the framers of India’s Constitution were greatly influenced by the American Founding Fathers: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, and how it adhered to the American ideals of equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, gender or ethnicity.

It said India also respects and cherishes freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of religion ----- “the same basic freedoms that we cherish in America.” It mentioned how Mahatma Gandhi is recognized as a world leader and how people of many faiths in India, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, have united in securing India’s freedom from colonial rule and have all served in various capacities in high-ranking government positions.

It paid tribute to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Bush as elected leaders of the world’s two largest democracies “and are actively cultivating strong ties between India and the U.S.”

The resolution, which won all round support on the Committee, chaired by Henry Hyde (R-Ill.), also complimented India for its adherence to the principles of democracy and holding elections on a regular basis at the local, regional and national levels. Among the co-sponsors of the resolution were known friends of India like Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Tom Davis (R-VA).

Later Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), an original co-sponsor of the bill and senior member of the committee, said in a press statement: “We rightly spend much of our time in this committee focused on what’s wrong throughout the world

----- whether it be the authoritarian regime of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, or Kim Jong Il in North Korea. “In this context, I think it is proper for the committee to recognize positive developments ----- in this case, the vibrant democracy that is India.”

“Today, India is the world’s largest democracy. That is an impressive distinction. It’s growth as a world power is creating the chance for peace and stability in South Asia,” he said.