India, important partner: Cheney

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, JUNE 28. The Leader of the Opposition and Congress president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, met the U.S. Vice-President, Mr. Richard Cheney, today and had a broad exchange of views. The meeting at the White House was described as ``cordial and friendly'' with Mr. Cheney making the point that the U.S. considered India an important partner and reiterated the President, Mr. George W. Bush's commitment to further ties with India. Mr. Cheney welcomed Ms. Gandhi's visit to the U.S.

Ms. Gandhi and Mr. Cheney are said to have had a brief, substantive conversation on bilateral and regional matters. Global issues came up during the discussion where the two shared perceptions. The coming summit between the leaders of India and Pakistan was also discussed. Ms. Gandhi is reported to have told the Vice-President that she welcomed the summit and that she always stood for the development of friendly relations with Pakistan.

Earlier, Ms. Gandhi addressed a meeting of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, where she lauded Indo- American friendship and said more work needed to be done to further strengthen the relationship.

Ms. Gandhi also touched on the need for peace in South Asia and the importance of confidence-building measures in the Indo- Pakistan summit. She also talked about the great contribution of the Indian diaspora not only to their adopted countries but also to India.

According to a press release from the office of the Congressman, Mr. Jim McDermott, also co-chairman, India Caucus, Ms. Gandhi said India was on the verge of a significant change; that there was need to focus on economic liberalisation, political transformation of rural India and social liberalisation.

``Ms. Gandhi's visit has been timed perfectly to give a great boost to the relationship and I am looking forward to seeing this new administration travel to India very soon,'' Mr. McDermott said in a statement.

The India Caucus luncheon was attended by thirty Members of Congress, consisting of both Republicans and Democrats. Ms. Gandhi said in the course of her address that economic liberalisation, political decentralisation and social empowerment were the three major factors that brought about changes in India.

``Ms. Sonia Gandhi is committed to a strong Indo-U.S. relationship. Her visit gave us an opportunity to hear the Opposition perspective which helps further our understanding of India. It was a pleasure to host her in the United States,'' said the California Republican law-maker, Mr. Ed Royce, who is also co-chairman of the Caucus on India.

Ms. Gandhi is scheduled to meet the President's National Security Adviser, Dr. Condoleeza Rice, and the Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Richard Armitage, today. She is participating in the annual convention of the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin and will be the luncheon speaker at a function organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry where she is expected to outline her perspective and vision on relations between India and the U.S.

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