Congressional Statements

Pallone welcomes presidential trip to India

Press Release
February 1, 2000

Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D-NJ, today welcomed the announcement from the White House that President Clinton will travel to India during the week of March 20th, expressing hope that the long-awaited visit will help to strengthen and improve ties between the world's two largest democracies.

"I have for quite some time been urging the President to make this trip to India, so I am extremely pleased to see that a date has been announced," Pallone said. "This trip will mark the first visit by a U.S. President to India since 1978, which is too long between visits.

"I salute President Clinton for his recognition of the importance of U.S.-India relations, and of South Asia in general, as our nation moves towards the new policies, new relationships and new thinking that must guide our foreign policy in a new century.

"The President's decision to travel to India represents a recognition of the growing importance of India in both regional and global affairs, and the vast potential for U.S.-India partnerships in such areas as trade and investment, security matters, scientific research, and education and cultural exchanges.

"I have often noted that the Indian-American community constitutes an important human 'bridge' between the world's two largest democracies. I hope that there will be an opportunity for some of our outstanding Indian-American community leaders to also be involved in making this trip successful.

"I don't think the President should go to Pakistan. It is important that the Administration continue to send the message to Islamabad that we are very concerned about Pakistan's role in fomenting instability in Kashmir, about the links between Pakistan and terrorist organizations, and the crushing of civilian government by the military junta now in power."