Resurgent India Driving Asian Growth Story: U.S. Official


WASHINGTON: With India-U.S. relations stronger than ever since the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries have become drivers of growth across the region and around the world, according to a senior U.S. official

"If there is one overarching positive trend that is driving the energy and optimism across South Asia, it is the resurgence of India," Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, told a Congressional panel.

This was "evidenced by their vibrant election last year, which was the largest such democratic exercise in history, she said testifying on "The U.S. Rebalance in South Asia: Foreign Aid and Development Priorities."

Asserting that less than one year after Modi's election as Prime Minister U.S. "relations with India are stronger than ever," Biswal said President Barack Obama's historic Republic Day visit was critical beyond its symbolism.

She listed "important outcomes in four key areas - advancing our strategic partnership, deepening our security cooperation, revitalizing the economic partnership, and advancing critical clean energy and environmental goals.

"As we have energised bilateral relations with the new Indian government, there can be no doubt about the strength of our joint strategic vision," Biswal said.

"Our two countries are indispensable partners in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region," she said.

"We are drivers of growth across the region and around the world. And we are net providers of security, together ensuring freedom of navigation and safeguarding the maritime domain," Biswal said.

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Source: IANS