Rep. Bera Leads Discussion on U.S.-India Relationship

Press Release

Earlier today, Representative Ami Bera discussed America's foreign policy "pivot to Asia" during an Asia and the Pacific subcommittee hearing of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Serving as ranking member, Bera discussed the importance of the U.S.-India relationship to the American economy and to stability in the South Asian region.

"As we look at our future, South Asia becomes increasingly important," said Bera. "A robust trading relationship with India is vital... and creates jobs here at home. In my home state of California, exports to India are worth over $3.7 billion annually… We must continue expanding our economic relationship."

"India is also emerging as a key strategic partner of the United States," he continued. "As we begin drawing down our troops from Afghanistan, India and the U.S. share a common interest in promoting regional peace and international security. India also has a critical role in holding and maintaining some of the gains we have made and helping to anchor stability in Southern Asia."

During the hearing, Rep. Bera also asked Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for U.S. India Business Sanjay Puri, and Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Sadanand Dhume about the role of the Indian American community in the U.S.-India relationship. He asked Director of the Asian Studies Center at the Heritage Foundation Walter Lohman, and Senior Associate, Asia Program at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Vikram Nehru about balancing the development of America's relationships with India and with China.

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