Author: T V Parasuram in Washington
Publication: Rediff on Net
Date: April 4, 2001
Two US Congressmen, who recently
visited India, have introduced a legislation to get the post-Pokhran sanctions
lifted saying continuation of the embargo is detrimental to the development
of a "significant emerging relationship" between the two countries.
Co-chairmen of the India Caucus,
Democrat Jim McDermott and Republican Ed Royce, said the bill was aimed
at terminating prohibitions on assistance to India and Pakistan and all
curbs imposed under the Arms Export Control Act.
"The relationship between India
and the United States has become one of the most significant emerging relationships
in the world. We are logical partners on a very wide range of issues, and
these sanctions only slow the development of that relationship," McDermott
said.
He said the bill, if passed, will
not only be freeing up a substantial part of "our affiliation, but we will
be sending a strong signal to our friends in India that we are willing
to stand with them in friendship."
Royce said the goal of peace and
stability in South Asia was very much in US' national interest. "It is
critical we build upon the momentum and continue to strengthen our strategic
ties with India."
"Our aim is to develop a bipartisan
foreign policy with India focussing on trade, investment and security,"
he said.
