SCON 81 ES

Whereas Congress is pleased to welcome the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on his visit to the United States;

Whereas the United States and India, the world's two largest democracies, are natural allies, based on their shared values and common interests in building a stable, peaceful, and prosperous world in the 21st century;

Whereas from the very day that the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington occurred, India has expressed its condolences for the terrible losses, its solidarity with the American people, and its pledge of full cooperation in the campaign against international terrorism;

Whereas India, which has been on the front lines in the fight against international terrorism for many years, directly shares America's grief over the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, with the number of missing Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin estimated at 250;

Whereas the United States and India are engaged as partners in a global coalition to combat the scourge of international terrorism, a partnership that began well before the tragic events of September 11, 2001;

Whereas cooperation between India and the United States extends beyond the current international campaign against terrorism, and has been steadily developing over recent years in such areas as preserving stability and growth in the global economy, protecting the environment, combating infectious diseases, and expanding trade, especially in emerging knowledge-based industries and high technology areas; and

Whereas more than 1,000,000 Americans of Indian heritage have contributed immeasurably to American society: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That it is the sense of Congress--

(1) to welcome the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to the United States;

(2) to express profound gratitude to the Government of India for its expressions of sympathy for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and its demonstrated willingness to fully cooperate with the United States in the campaign against terrorism; and

(3) to pledge commitment to the continued expansion of friendship and cooperation between the United States and India.

Passed the Senate November 8, 2001.

Attest:

Secretary.

Expressing the sense of Congress to welcome the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on the occasion of his visit to the United States, and to affirm that India is a valued friend and partner and an important ally in the campaign against international terrorism.

END