The publication is reproduced in full below:
APPRECIATING INDIA
______
HON. JOE WILSON
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 12, 2022
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, August 15th is a significant date in world history as it marks the 75th Anniversary of the independence of the Republic of India. The landmark occasion is being celebrated as an historic democratic victory in a festival called Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
America especially rejoices for the people of India as the world's oldest democracy celebrates the world's largest democracy. 2022 is especially significant as democracies (rule of law) are threatened by authoritarians (rule of gun), exemplified by war criminal Putin murderously invading Ukraine, the Chinese Communist Party threatening Taiwan, and Iranian theocrats chanting Death to Israel, Death to America. World chaos is also a threat to the people of India.
As the son of a U.S. Army Air Corps member in the Flying Tigers who served in India and China, I grew up with an appreciation of the work ethic my father recognized in India. As a real estate attorney in South Carolina, I welcomed new investors who bought hotels and motels creating jobs across the state.
In Congress I chaired the largest country Caucus, the Caucus of India and Indian Americans. I will be forever grateful to have been with Governor Nikki Haley (America's second Indian American Governor) to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Center Ring of Madison Square Garden in New York City. I was also on the escort committee for the Prime Minister's address to Congress. I was present with President Donald Trump for the historic 'Howdy Modi' celebration in Houston, Texas, with over 50,000 Indian-Americans in attendance. Additionally, I attended the Prime Minister's 2019 Independence Day address at the Red Fort in New Delhi, India.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve with the Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni, who is passionate for the people of India.
The 75th Anniversary is an opportunity for the shared values of India and America to be fulfilled. President Donald Trump correctly identified the Indo-Pacific Command as a way to promote Indian-U.S. military cooperation for Peace Through Strength. India's proven industrial capabilities provide an opportunity to reduce dependence on foreign military sales.
The future is bright for the people of India and with our shared values of democracy, the future is bright for a strong alliance of India and America.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 135(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 135(2)
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