Congressional Statements

Crowley on 54th anniversary of India's independence

Statement in House of Representatives
August 3, 2001

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate India on it 54th anniversary as an independent democratic republic.

Fifty-three years ago India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi forged a path towards freedom and democracy by declaring its independence from Britain. With independence India undertook anew a responsibility as a voice of other newly independent nations in the post-colonial world.

India is the world's largest democracy, and in the next fifty years it will become the worlds most populous nation. As we celebrate India's independence it is important for us to reflect on the achievements of the previous 54 years while at the time looking forward to the future.

India and the United States share much in common. Both countries sought independence to create great nations based on freedom and liberty. Both nations also sought to establish a more prosperous future for its people. As we enter a new century it is important for the United States to recognize India's importance as a great democracy and as a force for stability in South Asia. While India faces many challenges it has nonetheless undertaken an important role of working towards greater prosperity and stability in the region.

India is of immense strategic importance to the United States. Being the only democracy and one of three nuclear powers in the region India has the potential to be a force for economic development and political stability. South Asia is a vast region that faces many challenges, from the civil war in Afghanistan to great poverty that still haunts much of the region. It is therefore vital for the United States to maintain a dialogue with as many nations in the region as possible. India's cooperation in brining about stability to the region will be essential.

Over the past ten years the United States and India have taken concrete steps to improve their bilateral relations. Trade, investment, and military cooperation have played a major role in bringing the two nations closer. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the India Caucus I have come to recognize the importance of India in South Asia. I am also proud to have worked on making additional funds available to India and other nations of South Asia for the creation of regional emergency institution similar to our own FEMA, so that we can save more lives in a future natural disaster.

As you know Mr. Speaker, President Clinton worked very hard to foster U.S.-Indian relations and to bring greater regional stability. I encourage President Bush, to continue America's leadership in South Asia. I particularly encourage President Bush to call upon Pakistan to return to a democratic government and to work with India for peace in Kashmir. As the United States Representative of the second largest South Asian community in the Untied States I would like to congratulate India on this achievement, and seek greater understanding and relations between our two great democracies.