Congressional Statements

US Lawmakers Express Solidarity with India

Letter to Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee
December 19, 2001

The Honorable Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Prime Minister of India
C/O Embassy of India
2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

We are writing to express our profound shock and sadness over the terrorist attack on the Parliament in New Delhi. We strongly support President Bush's decision to offer your government the assistance of the FBI and of the State Department counter-terrorist teams in order to bring to justice those individuals responsible for this terrorist attack.

As Members of the United States Congress, we were particularly affected by the fact that this atrocity occurred at one of the world's most prominent institutions of democracy, and was aimed at the elected officials who are dedicated to serving the people of India. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, we in Congress have become acutely aware of the increasing threat we face in our seat of democracy, yet we are more determined than ever not to be intimidated by terrorism. We are greatly encouraged that your government and the Members of Parliament have demonstrated unity and resolve in the face of a vicious and cowardly attack perpetrated by enemies of democracy.

Since September 11th , the government and people of India have demonstrated steadfast support and cooperation for the United States. In the same spirit of friendship and partnership, we stand ready to provide your government with assistance to find those responsible for this attack. It is our intention that whatever assistance is deemed appropriate be provided as quickly and effectively as possible. In addition, please know that we support India's right to defend herself against acts of terrorism and aggression that threaten the security of India.

Strategic cooperation between the United States and India in the area of counter-terrorism did not begin on September 11th. Over the past several years, our two nations have forged a strong partnership in this area, including the U.S.-India Joint Working Group on Terrorism, as well as on a wide range of other issues. The growing alliance between the U.S. and India is based on our shared democratic values and our mutual desire to build a stable and prosperous world free of terrorism. The terrorists who attacked the United States and India targeted democracies that respect the rule of law, because they detest the freedoms we protect, and mistake our tolerance as a sign of weakness. As the architects of terrorism have already learned, the resolve of the civilized world will only be strengthened by our pursuit of justice in the face of their lawlessness.

In closing, Mr. Prime Minister, we are pleased to know that you, the members of your Cabinet, and Members of the Parliament were not harmed in this vicious attack. We are deeply saddened by the loss of other precious lives and send our wishes for complete recovery to those who were wounded.

As we continue our shared commitment to end the scourge of terrorism, we shall help to ensure that the victims of the Parliament attack shall not have died in vain.

Sincerely,

Members of Congress Who Signed Letter