PHILADELPHIA: Continuing his outreach with American political leadership, Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh has met top Democratic lawmakers, including officials of the Hillary Clinton campaign, to underline the importance India attaches to the bilateral ties.
At a time, when the entire Democratic leadership is camping here to prepare for the crucial November general elections, the top Indian diplomat was given rare access to the top leadership of the party, reflecting the importance the party, its lawmakers and the Hillary campaign attaches to the India-US relationship.
He met Senator Patrick Leahy, Ranking Member of Senate Judiciary Committee, who is also Ranking Member of the crucial Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
John Podesta, chair of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign and former Counsellor to US President Barack Obama met the Indian Ambassador, indicating the significance a Clinton Administration would attach to India-US ties.
Mr Singh had interactions with top Democratic lawmakers Nita Lowey, Frank Pallone, and Joe Crowley, who is Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus and former Co-Chair of House India Caucus. The Ambassador had a meeting with Congressman Ami Bera, the only Indian American lawmaker in the US House of Representatives.
Top Indian American community leaders attending the four-day national convention held a reception for Singh, “Chai and Chaat” which among others was attended by Senator Corry Booker, Ranking Member of Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guards.
In his address, the Ambassador underscored the important role being played by Indian American community in strengthening India US ties.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for House of Representative race in Illinois, Raj Goyle, former Democratic Member of Kansas House of Representatives, were present at the event.
It was also attended by a number of politically connected Indian Americans — Sunil Puri, Deepak Raj, Mahinder Tak, Anurag Verma, Priya Dayananda, Mini Timmaraju and Shekhar Narsimhan.
Singh also addressed another event titled “South Asians for Hillary”.
He also attended a diplomatic reception by American Jewish Committee (AJC) and made brief remarks.
On the sidelines of the convention, the Indian Ambassador met Kesha Ram, Vermont State Representative, who is running for the position of State Lt Governor.
The Indian Ambassador had made a similar outreach with the Republican leadership during last week’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
PTI