U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma credited the courage and determination of the Indian diaspora in the United States for the strength of the U.S.-India relationship.
Speaking at an event organized in New Delhi by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) on Aug. 21, Verma recalled his late father, Kamal Verma’s, incredible journey, starting from a small village in Punjab to New York City in 1963.
“This is what the U.S. and India relationship is built upon – the courage and determination of millions who have set out to build stronger ties through their work and enormous contributions,” he said.
In terms of people-to-people ties, Verma highlighted that the United States is home to over 4 million Americans of Indian descent, and Indian immigrants, make up the second-largest category of U.S. citizens. He also noted that the ties are further deepening, with a record 1.3 million US visas issued to Indians last year.
The Deputy Secretary stated that Ambassador Eric Garcetti had aptly framed the progress of India and the U.S. around the four P’s: peace, prosperity, planet, and people.
On peace and security, Verma emphasized that the two nations have evolved into integrated, trusted, and confident security partners. He noted that the relationship has progressed from merely sales to co-production and development of the world’s most advanced systems.
Verma highlighted that India holds a unique position as the only nation in the world designated as a "Major Defense Partner" of the United States. He emphasized that this special status is significant in advancing the sophistication of defense trade and joint military exercises between the two countries.
He also stated that the shared vision for the Indo-Pacific has strengthened the ties between India and the U.S., reinforcing the post-war order and norms based on democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“When like-minded nations come together as they have in the Quad to deliver greater peace and prosperity, maritime security, to battle climate change, and so much more, our citizens are empowered and they are more secure,” he said.
During his speech highlighted exemplary coordination between India and the U.S. in several fields, including health, innovation, space, economic prosperity, and climate change.
“On any objective scale, we have done well, very well. But we cannot rest on these successes; we can’t assume they will continue; and we also have to now focus again on what President Biden and Prime Minister Modi said about delivering for the world,” he said.
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