U.S. Embassy Charge D”Affairs Ambassador Kathleen Stephens on Thursday said the United States and its mission in India is eager and ready to match New Delhi”s promise of taking the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries forward with equal vigor, energy and enthusiasm. Speaking ahead of the United States” Independence Day celebrations, Ambassador Stephens said: “We too are committed to the vision of an intensified engagement, one with enormous potential to improve the lives not only of the citizens of our own two great countries, but of the world.” She further said: “I have been in India only days, but each day I am reminded of this extraordinary human underpinning of our relationship.” “Yesterday, while in a government office, two journalists introduced themselves – they had questions to ask – but first they wanted to tell me about their children studying in the U.S. Earlier today, as I saw off Senator McCain at the airport, we were approached by an Afghan man who introduced himself as a former Fulbright scholar now working in India on regional health issues. I could go on. This is the fabric of our relationship,” she added. She recalled that a few weeks ago, she had joined many of her diplomatic colleagues to hear President Mukherjee”s address to the joint houses of parliament. She recalled: “It was an exciting and inspiring moment to see democracy in action – a new government laying out its plans. I was glad to hear what the President had to say about Indo-U.S. relations. It was this: “India and the U.S. have made significant progress in developing strategic partnership over the years. My government will bring a renewed vigor to our engagement and intensify it in all areas, including trade, investment, science and technology, energy and education.” In 2014, she said that it was a privilege to celebrate America”s Independence Day in India. “Like America and Americans, this country and its great people have been shaped by the struggle for independence and an insistence on democracy,” Ambassador Stephens said. Referring specifically to the U.S. Ambassador”s residence – Roosevelt House — Ambassador Stephens said it was a reminder of “our shared journey, our shared values.” Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh was the chief guest at the event, which was also attended by ambassadors and colleagues from the diplomatic corps, besides others. (ANI)
