Within the political sphere of Washington, a seasoned American Congressman has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the emblem of India, extolling his stewardship for the nation’s developmental strides and economic advancements since the inception of 2014. Brad Sherman, esteemed as a stalwart ally of India within the US Congress, underscored the burgeoning camaraderie between India and the United States during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure.
Nevertheless, he underscored the intricate dynamics posed by India’s defense collaboration with Russia within the Indo-US alliance. “Prime Minister Modi has emerged as the visage of India, and we’ve witnessed a substantial surge in economic prosperity. Yet, it is imperative to acknowledge that each nation confronts its own set of tribulations, and every leader grapples with distinct challenges. I refrain from attributing a nation’s triumph solely to a solitary leader. After all, India boasts a populace exceeding 1.3 billion, collectively striving towards the enrichment of the nation,” Sherman articulated in a discourse with PTI on Tuesday.
Aged 69, Sherman assumes the mantle of the senior Democratic figure within the House Foreign Affairs Committee, dedicating the past 28 years to nurturing the India-US rapport.
“The bond between the US and India has undergone a remarkable reinforcement. My assertion stems from my prior stewardship of the US India Caucus in the United States House, a bipartisan coalition that burgeoned into the largest of its kind. We have witnessed myriad developments, particularly in the realm of defense, marked by expansive joint maneuvers, intelligence collaboration, and a concerted endeavor to uphold the sanctity of the Indo-Pacific,” he expounded.
The bilateral trade between the United States and India has soared to unprecedented heights. Sherman accentuated, “Indo-Americans epitomize the pinnacle of educational attainment and boast the highest income brackets among all ethnic cohorts within the United States.” Expressing his fervent desire for an augmented trade partnership between the two nations, the Congressman averred, “I’ve engaged in dialogues with numerous entrepreneurs who perceive India as an exceptional investment prospect and a superior business destination vis-à-vis non-democratic nations bereft of a robust legal framework. Those entrenched in manufacturing within China ought to reflect on the absence of democratic principles and the precarious legal landscape.”
He underscored the indispensable role of a fair and impartial judicial system in fostering business prosperity. “India offers a judicious legal recourse that some nations lack,” he emphasized. Concurrently, the Congressman acknowledged the lingering challenge posed by India’s defense affiliations with Russia within the broader US-India dynamic.
“Our current rapport with Russia leaves much to be desired. A resolution to the conflict in Ukraine holds promise for global amity. Additionally, I believe India grapples with bureaucratic hurdles hindering investor engagement, a facet I fervently hope will witness amelioration,” he remarked.
Representing California’s 32nd Congressional District, Sherman advocated for the establishment of an Indian consulate in Los Angeles. “Foremost among my priorities is the establishment of an Indian consulate in Los Angeles. While San Francisco holds its allure, Los Angeles epitomizes the epicenter of American entrepreneurial spirit,” Sherman articulated.
