Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao has lauded Indian Americans, saying they played a key role in shaping the strategic partnership between the world's two leading democracies.
"You have contributed and played a significant role in crafting US-India partnership; strategic partnership between the world's two leading democracies; this defining relationship that has the capability to impact the destiny of the 21st century," she said.
Rao was addressing the Indian-American community of Washington DC Metropolitan who had organized a welcome reception for her.
"I particularly recall your role in the successful realization of India-US civil nuclear agreement and the zeal and the enthusiasm with which you supported it – the passage of the deal in the United States Congress," Rao said.
"Your accomplishments and achievements as a community has caught the imagination of this country... this is because of the reputation you have established, discipline, diligence and determination to succeed," she said, urging the community to work towards even bigger and better ties between the two countries.
"You can play a crucial role in interpreting India's priorities to your American brethren. You can be that bridge of understating and friendship between India and the United States," Rao said.
Deputy assistant secretary of State Alyssa Ayres applauded the role played by the Indian-American community in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
{{/usCountry}}Deputy assistant secretary of State Alyssa Ayres applauded the role played by the Indian-American community in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
{{/usCountry}}The State Department is working on initiatives to realize the full potential of the Indian-American community.