Indo-U.S. Ties ‘Special,’ Says Indian American Lawmaker After Meeting Modi

Indian American lawmaker Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who met India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 6, said that he would work with his counterparts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The recent meeting was part of a high-level delegation of American Congressional leaders who interacted with their Indian counterparts to discuss trade, strategic partnerships, and security coordination, according to Krishnamoorthi,  D-Illinois, News Indiatimes reported. The meeting was hosted by India’s External Affairs Ministry and included Indian American Congressman Ami Bera, D-California, as well as Reps. Dave Schweikert, R- Arizona; Tom Suozzi, D-NY; Terri Sewell, D -AL; Dina Titus, D – NV; Drew Ferguson, R – GA; and Pete Olson, R-TX.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that the United States and India are able to continue their partnership on peace and security in an uncertain world,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement, adding that it was an honor to meet Modi and discuss the Indo-U.S. “special relationship.” India is the “linchpin of security” in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

“This week’s talks have been instrumental in ensuring that the United States and India continue to build on our security partnerships and promote peace and stability in the region and across the world,” Krishnamoorthi was quoted as saying by News Indiatimes.

“The meeting with the Prime Minister only underscored that at the heart of our friendship with India are the values that we share: a commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law,” the Congressman said.

Krishnmamoorthi was named co-chair of the New Economy Task Force for the Democratic Party along with his Congressional colleagues Susan DelBene, Debbie Dingell, and Darren Soto in September 2017.

“India is a key partner for the United States and Asia. Both our economic and strategic posture in the region is strengthened by investing in the bilateral relationship between the world’s two largest democracies,” Krishnmamoorthi had said in June 2017.

India and the United States have been disagreeing over trade tariffs recently, with U.S. President Donald Trump increasing tariff on steel and aluminum for India and other countries. The clampdown on H-1B visa has also created an atmosphere of uncertainty.