Political India: Engaging America

From The Hindu

U.S. President Barack Obama sent his congratulations to all who will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of India’s Independence this weekend and said, “Indians around the world can not only look back on their history with pride, but can also look ahead to a future filled with hope and further progress.”

Speaking on behalf of his entire administration and the American people Mr. Obama noted that ever since August 15, 1947, India’s non-violent struggle for freedom, its rejection of terrorism and extremism, and its belief in democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law had been an inspiration and beacon of hope for people around the world.

Underscoring the profound effect of India’s example on many countries, including the United States he said that leaders of the civil rights movement here, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had spoke of the debt they owed to Mahatma Gandhi and the over two million Indian-Americans were living examples of the bonds that bound India and the U.S.. The President added that the accomplishments of the Indian-American community “have become well-known and admired in both countries.”

Touching upon the ongoing Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, which is expected to get a fillip from the President’s visit to India later this year he said, “The strategic partnership between our countries will continue to grow, and I am looking forward to my November visit to India.”

Reiterating the words he had used to describe the relationship during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s state visit last year, Mr. Obama said,” Our goal is to make this one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”

Labels: Barack Obama, Independence Day, India-U.S. relations

From The Hindu

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday extended a message of felicitation to all Indians, celebrating with them the country’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary.

In a statement, Ms. Clinton said, “Each year on August 15th, we join with Indians around the world to honour Mahatma Gandhi and the heroes of the Indian independence movement who proved that great change can be achieved through nonviolent resistance.”

She said the courage and determination of these leaders had inspired generations of leaders around the world, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others who had advanced the U.S.’ own struggle for civil rights and equality.

Commenting on the promise of freedom, tolerance, and prosperity of the “Indian Dream”, Ms. Clinton said 63 years after independence, India as a world leader continued to offer an example for people who yearn for democracy and liberty around the globe.

On the occasion, the Secretary reiterated that the U.S. was committed to further strengthening its cooperation and partnership with India and, as President Obama had noted during the Strategic Dialogue a few months ago, “The relationship between our two countries is unique.”

Ms. Clinton in her congratulatory message said the bilateral relationship was rooted in common interests, shared values and democratic traditions, and strengthened by extensive people-to-people connections.

She added that the administration looked forward to further developing these bonds when President Obama visited India this fall, because it was only through dynamic, global cooperation between India and the U.S. that the defining challenges of the 21st century might be addressed.

She said, “Once again, I congratulate the people of India on all you have achieved and wish you a safe and joyous Independence Day celebration.”

Labels: Hillary Clinton, Independence Day, India, Secretary of State, U.S.