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Recognizing the Importance of the Indian American Community in Central Florida and the Relationship Between the Republic of India and the United States of America

Floor Speech

Date: May 31, 2022
Location: Washington, DC
Keyword Search: Vaccine

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Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I acknowledge the strong, multidimensional, and mutually vital partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of India. Our two nations share a partnership for peace, progress, and prosperity. The solidarity between our two democratic countries and open economies is a force for global good.

One of the important pillars of this relationship is the enduring bridge provided by the Indian American community in my district. I regularly meet with Indian American community members, including successful hotel owner Mr. Jan Gautam, and learn from them about our Indian friends and their progress. Support from the Indian-American community, through the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, was instrumental in assisting Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

During my past trip to India, our delegation was briefed on the significance of advancements in Artificial Intelligence technology, its role in the relationship between our nations, and its possible applications to the industry and workforce. We met with former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, Aluru Seelin Kiran Kumar, where we discussed its organizational structure, mission focus, applications, and accomplishments. Later, in meetings with the former Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan, we discussed the importance of space exploration and cybersecurity advancement, all in the context of collaboration between our great democracies.

I recently met with the Indian Consul General to the Southeast, Dr. Swati Kulkarni. I learned about India's developmental efforts, including efforts through the recent announcement of the 2022-23 Union Budget.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our two nations worked closely. There was robust collaboration in the health sector, including in vaccines, where the U.S. provided raw materials to India for vaccine production during a time of surging cases in the country.

I look forward to continued collaboration between the United States of America and the Republic of India.

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