Ed Royce was speaking at a fundraiser-cum-reception that Bhailal Patel, President of the National Federation of Indian Organizations, hosted in his honor at the India House Restaurant on May 19. Ed Royce, a Republican, is the 5th term Congressman from 39 district in California. Significant among those who attended were the Consul General of India, Surendra Kumar, Raghu Nayak, Pete Patel, Niranjan Shah, Bhagu Patel, Sitaram Patel, Iftekhar Sharief, and Raj Bedi.

Ed Royce stressed the need for stronger US ties with India. Congressman Royce suggested that the United States must allow liberal defense exchanges with India. He said that India shares commonality of values and interests with the United States. He said President Bush wants to build bridges with the countries that have common values with the United States. The developing military cooperation between the two countries is a step in the right direction, he said.

Congressman Ed Royce, explained that the current stage of Indo-US cooperation is fructification of endeavors started quite some time back. He specified trade, military cooperation and national security as the key areas of cooperation. He informed that the Republicans had commenced opening up to India with Prime Minister Narsimha Rao liberalizing Indian economy. He termed President Bill Clinton's India visit a landmark in this process. This he said was followed by setting up of a joint commission on terrorism. He said both the nations are now fighting terrorism that is attempting to undermine our democracies.

Ed Royce categorized Afghanistan as a vital area of cooperation between India and the United States. He said that a stable, progressive, and democratic Afghanistan is in the interest of both-India, and United States. He said currently several madrassas are not working in the direction. He cited examples of several such institutions that are propagating what is not real Islam. He said that these organizations-supported by Gulf funding-are instead preaching jehad and Wehabi culture that is dangerous and confrontational to the society.

Congressman Ed Royce stated that the amity and co-existence of various Indian communities in the US is a good example of religious tolerance and mutual respect. He said tolerance and respect of other religion is an important tradition that India has demonstrated all these years. He added that tolerance is the answer to the challenges that India and the US face today. However, he said, US needs to help India set standards in this regard based on the philosophy of Mahatama Gandhi.

Congressman also flayed the fears that the proposed changes in INS rules will adversely affect the students or visitors. He said it is an effort to streamline the INS process wherein the visa seeker will have to specify in advance the reason of his visit and its duration. Only thing that is being strictly regulated under the new regulations is the changing the status at later stage.

Earlier, Bhailal Patel welcomed Congressman Ed Royce to the fundraiser. Bhailal highlighted the achievements of the India cacus in promoting the Indian cause within the US Congress.

Later, the Consul General of India, Surendra Kumar, sought US to put pressure on Pakistan which, he claimed, can defuse the situation easily.

- nriol.com report

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