Congressional Statements

In honor of India's Republic Day

Rep. Jim McDermott Statement in the House of Representatives
January 25, 2001

As the cochairman of the Congressional Caucus on India, I would like to extend a heartfelt wish of congratulations to India, her citizens, and all people of Indian heritage who have settled around the world. This fifty-first Republic Day serves as a proud reminder of the achievements of the Indian people.

As a Member of Congress, I have traveled to India fifteen times, and have come to realize that India is one of the most unique countries in the world. India has twenty-four official languages, and virtually every religion in the world is represented in India. Indeed, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroasterian, and Sikh holy days are all government recognized holidays. India is a nation that was forged from hundreds if not thousands of distinct entities by the British Empire over the course of a century. However, in doing so, the Raj created a startlingly strong federal republic that has withstood massive pressures from within and without to remain one of the most stable democratic republics in the world, let alone the developing world.

India is a secular nation and its people have shown time and again that they will not acquiesce to religious fundamentalism. Persecution of Christians and other minorities in India has met with strong responses from both the Government and the public. India is home to more Muslims than any other nation save Indonesia, and it is a testament to Indians that even given their extreme population density, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians have lived in harmony with few conflicts.

The United States and India have had a wary relationship for much of our mutual history, however, this is changing rapidly. With the reciprocal visits of President Clinton and Prime Minister Vajpayee, and the increasing economic ties between our two countries, India and the United States have fast become friends. India's economic growth and potential are the leading wave of our burgeoning relationship, however India and the United States are coming together in many other ways. I believe the most important of these is the common desire for peace and stability in South Asia. India and the United States have many security concerns in common, most especially the hope that India will become a counterbalance to China in the region and help anchor Asian stability.

On this Republic day, India will celebrate its accomplishments. I add my voice to the cheers, but I also add a note of caution. The Government of India has been struggling with the second generation of economic reforms, and it seems as if it is meeting tough opposition. Nobody questions the desire to more ahead with reform, but rather it is the pace that troubles me. The slow pace of reforms could jeopardize continued investment in India and divert attention to other Asian nations. It is one of the hardest things in a democracy to move ahead with painful reforms, however, India cannot let these stall or fail outright. I have faith that India's leaders will soon reinvigorate these reforms.

I am proud to call myself a friend of India, and fortunate to be in a position to help add to and strengthen the Indo-American relationship. Our common commitment to peace, democracy and multiculturalism will soon bind us together as strong allies.