Congressional Statements

Pallone lauds Bush Administration approval of sale of military radar from Israel to India

Urges Lifting Of Restrictions On Sale Of Missile Defense System

Press Release
May 28, 2003

Long Branch, NJ --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, today praised the Bush administration's decision to approve the sale of a military radar system from Israel to India but also urged the administration to go further by lifting restrictions on the sale of a missile defense system. The New Jersey congressman made his request in a missive to President Bush today.

"I am writing today to express my appreciation for the recent approval by your administration of the sale of the Phalcon airborne early-warning radar from Israel to India," Pallone wrote in his letter. "The sale of this defensive system is an important step in the progression toward strengthening US-India relations, and it demonstrates an increasing confidence from your administration in an imminent and peaceful conclusion to the India-Pakistan conflict."

Pallone has long believed, as the world's two largest democracies, the U.S. and India must work closely to counter global terrorism and spread democratic ideals. In his letter, Pallone wrote that solidifying a defense relationship with India will ensure a continuing bond between the two nations, and the president's action is an important step forward in strengthening those relations.

The New Jersey congressman urged the president to take the next step and allow the sale a defense shield that protects land from short and long-range ballistic missiles, as proof the US is serious about its relationship with India and about its support for democracy.

"Given the importance of these ties, I urge you to lift existing restrictions on the sale of a missile defense system from Israel to India," Pallone continued in his letter. "These systems were developed with American financing, and therefore need American approval for sale. It is important to note that the missile defense system, like the Phalcon, is a defensive system that would be sold to a peaceful democracy. India is not seeking a way of becoming an offensive nation; rather, it is ensuring only its ability to defend itself.

"While your administration currently disallows Israel from exporting this defensive system, lifting such restrictions will show an important commitment to US-India relations and optimism about the India-Pakistan conflict," Pallone continued.

Last July, Pallone requested that the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell reconsider his opposition to the sale of a similar missile system before a scheduled trip to India. At the time, the New Jersey congressman pointed to strong support for the sale of the weapons system both at the Pentagon and in Israel.