Wilson Praises India on its 55th Independence Day

Today, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) offers his warmest congratulations to the Republic of India as it celebrates its 55th Independence Day."On August 15th, 1947, India gained its Independence from British domination," said Rep. Wilson. "The people of India celebrate this important day in the same manner as we Americans celebrate our day of Freedom on July 4th every year. Indeed, both America and India serve as models for democracy and freedom around the world.""At the time of India's Independence, the road ahead was indeed daunting. The national literacy rate was only 14%. India's economy was virtually nonexistent. On top of that, India had been partitioned and the new country of Pakistan had been created. Despite all the difficulties, the people of India persevered, putting their faith in democracy and freedom."The freedoms found in India's Constitution are similar to those found in the American Constitution. This is no accident. The framers of India's Constitution were greatly influenced by the Founding Fathers of America, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and George Washington."Today, the national literacy rate in India is 65% and the bilateral economic relationship between America and India stands at $18 billion a year. There is a natural partnership emerging between America, the world's oldest parliamentary democracy, and India, the world's largest democracy. Both our great countries are multiethnic, where people of many faiths live in harmony under the rubric of equality and freedom."The milestone of 55 years of Independence is an important one. India is the only stable democracy in South Asia, and I will work hard to ensure the partnership between America and India continues to expand until we are natural allies," said Rep. Wilson.###