India Is Our Partner

The President signed a civil nuclear deal with the government of India last March. It allowed the U.S. to export nuclear fuel, reactors, and expertise to India in exchange for international safeguards and nuclear facility inspections. This agreement represents a significant foreign policy shift because historically the U.S. refuses the sale of civilian nuclear technology to countries that did not sign the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Since it dramatically alters U.S. policy, Congress must approve the treaty before the U.S.-India pact can take effect.

I believe the United States must increasingly look to India as a strategic partner. India is the largest democracy in the world, is transforming into an economic powerhouse, and occupies a vital strategic position between the Middle East and China. India also shares a long history of combating Muslim extremism and is an important ally in the global war on terror. For all these reasons, I believe the United States should take steps to improve its relationship with India. I support H.R. 5682 and will vote for its passage in the House.