American Lawmakers Hopeful of Better Indo-U.S. Ties Under Modi

"Initiative to spur development in India is critical and the U.S. can play significant role in promoting and facilitating steps in this efforts," he said, adding that U.S. businesses continue to face several barriers in India including the crucial intellectual property rights.

The Congressional hearing came ahead of the India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on July 31 for which Secretary of State John Kerry is travelling to India.

Expressing concern over market access, caps on foreign direct investment and the stalled bilateral investment treaty negotiations, Chabot hoped that these issues would be discussed during the next week's Strategic Dialogue.

There can be no question that it is time for the India-U.S. relationship to be taken to the next level, Congressman George Holding, who is also a Republican, said.

"Joining up the Modi magic with the American dream would be a very powerful combination worldwide," said Holding, who visited India last year.

Subcommittee's Ranking Member F H Faleomavaega, a Democrat, said the U.S.-India partnership should be, could be, one of the most defining of the 21st century.

"While it is shameful that the United States failed to develop a strong friendship and comprehensive partnership with Shri Modi when it mattered most, I thank Prime Minister Modi for accepting President Obama's invitation to meet at the White House on September 30 of this year," he said.

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