Wilson Elected Co-Chairman of Congressional India Caucus

Today, Rep. Joe Wilson was unanimously elected Republican Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, replacing former Co-Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA). The Caucus has more than 135 House Members and is one of the largest Caucuses on Capitol Hill. Democratic members elected Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) as their Co-Chairman."For the past two years, I have had the honor as serving as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans," said Rep. Royce. "Congressman Wilson's deep roots in the Indian American community will serve the Caucus well. I look forward to working with Joe to continue transforming the U.S.-India relationship in everyway - politically, economically, and strategically.""I am honored my Republican colleagues have elected me as Co-Chair of the India Caucus for the 108th Congress," said Rep. Wilson. "Chairman Royce provided invaluable leadership and has done so much in strengthening the relationship between the United States and India. I look forward to following in his footsteps, and working with Co-Chairman Joseph Crowley in bi-partisan efforts to reach out to the Indian American community."India is the world's largest democracy and is rapidly becoming a reliable American ally in South Asia. The U.S. and India formed a Counter-terrorism Joint Working Group in November 1999, and members of both governments are working together to coordinate counter-terrorism strategies. India's armed forces are the world's third largest, and both the American and Indian military have begun a strategic partnership. Last year, the American and Indian Navies conducted joint military exercises in the Indian ocean, the special forces of both armies conducted military exercises in Alaska, and Paratroopers from the American and Indian Armies conducted exercises in India."My appreciation for the people of India began when my father spent time there as a member of the Flying Tigers during World War II, where he gained a great admiration for the people and their culture. As a Colonel in the Army National Guard and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I want to see the U.S. develop a deeper military relationship with the people of India, as they are a crucial ally in the War on Terrorism," said Rep. Wilson.The India Caucus was first formed in 1993, and at the time consisted of only eight members.###