Washington DC : USINPAC commends Chairman Brad Sherman of the House Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation for holding an upcoming Congressional hearing on U.S. Interests in South Asia in the wake of India’s recent elections. India’s election was the largest the world has ever known. Over 600 million people voted, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi won again in a record-breaking landslide.
“This hearing comes at a time when the U.S.-India relationship needs bolstering,” Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC, said. “It is unfortunate that India has been stripped of its special trade status, as of June 5, 2019. Both countries will feel the crunch. But I am hopeful that as a result of this hearing that the U.S. might re-think India. India is the world’s largest democracy and a counterbalancing influence in the region. India is expected to become the world’s most populous nation by 2028.
USINPAC is not against the people of Pakistan, or aid for education, economic development, women’s empowerment, etc. But USINPAC is against state-sponsored terrorism and against the misuse of IMF loans. It is the intent of USINPAC to go on the record in making its views known now and for historical purposes.
The hearing on U.S. Interests in South Asia will be held on June 13, 2019 at 9:30 am in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Ambassador Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, will be a key witness. Ms. Gloria Steele, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Asia of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Ms. Karen Freeman, Assistant to the Administrator for the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs for USAID, will also testify.
USINPAC is a bi-partisan organization a voice of over 3.2 million Indian Americans. We connect our members to candidates of their choice. During the 2020 election cycle, we will be hosting events across the country to make sure Indian Americans are heard. If you would like to be part of this historic effort and bring about outcomes that matter, sign up for our email updates and get involved today at www.usinpac.com
