Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a notable display of bipartisan cooperation, Representatives Ami Bera and Joe Wilson have put forward a resolution emphasizing the vital role of the India-US partnership — recognized as integral for regional stability, counterterrorism, and mutual democratic principles. Announced on Monday, this initiative reflects a renewed Congressional dedication to fostering closer ties with India amid shifting geopolitical landscapes.

With 24 bipartisan cosponsors, including Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Rich McCormick, the resolution has garnered substantial support, illustrating a rare consensus in Washington about the importance of the India-US alliance, irrespective of political variations.

Lawmakers have underscored the partnership's significance in fighting terrorism, advocating for enhanced counterterrorism collaboration. The resolution demands the "swift prosecution of the individuals responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks," signaling that justice is a collective aim for both New Delhi and Washington. It also highlights the recent terror incident in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 fatalities and was attributed to The Resistance Front, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by cross-border terrorism in South Asia.

For over three decades, U.S. administrations -- from Clinton to Trump to Biden -- have fortified strategic relations with India, viewing this partnership as essential for democratic governance, economic prosperity, and regional balance. The resolution reaffirmed this longstanding bipartisan strategy, indicating that collaboration with India is crucial to America's vision for a free and stable Indo-Pacific.

A focal point of the resolution is the Quad — the strategic coalition of the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan. Lawmakers have urged both nations to boost joint efforts through the Quad and other mechanisms, acknowledging India’s increasing influence in the economic and technological landscape shaping the Indo-Pacific’s future.

Beyond security and geopolitical concerns, the resolution emphasizes the need for deeper collaboration in areas such as energy security, ground-breaking technologies, and cultural exchanges that have historically fortified bilateral relations.

The resolution follows a recent communication from five U.S. lawmakers to President Trump, advocating for a reassessment of his proclamation regarding H-1B visas issued on September 19, which they believe could negatively impact India-US relations. Recognizing that 75% of H-1B visa recipients come from India, the lawmakers stressed the necessity for program expansion rather than limitations, aiming to sustain robust economic and innovative connections between the two countries.

Congress members Jimmy Panetta, Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, Derek Tran, and Julie Johnson jointly signed the letter, arguing that H-1B visa restrictions could undermine industries dependent on skilled Indian professionals and diminish one of the critical links between the two democracies.

As global tensions escalate and the Indo-Pacific gains importance, this bipartisan resolution seeks to convey that the India-US partnership is not only vital but also essential. The renewed initiative from U.S. lawmakers indicates a belief that deeper engagement with India will contribute to a more secure, democratic, and thriving future for both nations.

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