Washington, July 16: US lawmakers have reassured India that the American aid to Pakistan will continue only if it sticks to its pledge of cooperating in global anti-terrorism efforts, nuclear non-proliferation and restoration of democracy in the country. Congress will be watching to ensure that aid to Pakistan is given only under the three conditions president Bush has set namely - restoration of democracy, nonproliferation and anti-terrorsm, co-chairman of the India Caucus Democratic Congressman Joseph Crowley said at the annual banquet hosted by the Indian American Friendship Council last night. Indian Ambassador Lalit Mansingh, while expressing concern at the US military aid to Islamabad, said, in the past US arms in Pakistani hands were used only against India.
India welcomes economic aid to Pakistan, but, because of past experience, not military aid, Mansingh said, pointing out that the USD three billion aid to Pakistan included USD 1.5 billion for the country's military.
India caucus has grown from 8 to 163, the largest caucus in the US, Mansingh said and hoped that Indian Americans will persuade us senators to set up a similar body.


The banquet, attended by a number of senators and Congressional India caucus members, was marked by expressions of support for New Delhi as speakers stressed the values shared by the two countries and the new geopolitical ties.

In a message to the council, US President George W Bush praised the Indian American Community saying it played "an important role in helping shape our culture, our character, and our future".

Bureau Report