The US and India face similar problems on global terrorism and must work closely together to defeat it, according to Congressman Peter King.

Addressing the New York chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at a dinner, Republican King said: "Vibrant democracies such as the US and India share common goals and should count on each other for support and cooperation."

According to King, the basic three steps of cooperation between the US and India are to keep the economy strong and vibrant, defeat terrorism and maintain strong democracies.

"As in the US, India is working hard to head off, stop and minimise any attack on itself as we are in this struggle together against global terrorism."

Referring to the US-India nuclear pact, he said Dec 18 - the day President George W. Bush signed it - was "a great day" in the relationship between the two countries.

During the course of the gathering, several people in the audience raised the issue of US military aid to Pakistan. King said supporting Pakistan had become a necessity to keep up the fight on terrorism.

On the issue of immigration, the Congressman said he was opposed to illegal migration but was in favour of legal migration of professionals needed to keep up the American economy.

"Legal immigration is crucial to the US and its competitiveness, and I will do all I can to facilitate a smooth application process for those who deserve to be admitted," King said.

GOPIO was founded at the first global convention of people of Indian origin (PIO) in New York in 1989. The initial thrust of the GOPIO was fighting human rights violation against PIOs.

Comments (2)

Subscribe to this comment's feed