Bera, Wilson Introduce Bipartisan Measure Underscoring Indo-US Strategic Value
India-West Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Ami Bera (D-CA) on November 17, alongside Joe Wilson (R-SC), introduced a bipartisan resolution underscoring the strategic weight of the India–US partnership and its importance to regional stability and shared democratic priorities.
The measure drew backing from 24 original cosponsors across the aisle, including Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rich McCormick, Deborah Ross, Rob Wittman, Suhas Subramanyam and Jay Obernolte.
The resolution highlighted the two countries’ shared efforts against terrorism, pushing for continued counterterrorism cooperation and the swift prosecution of those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It also cited the April attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, attributed to The Resistance Front, as a reminder of ongoing cross-border and proxy threats in South Asia.
Lawmakers pointed out that support for strengthening ties with India has remained steady through multiple administrations. The measure noted that for more than three decades — under Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden — Washington has consistently advanced the strategic partnership with India as essential to regional stability, democratic governance and economic growth.
Bera and his colleagues also stressed India’s key role in Washington’s Indo-Pacific agenda, encouraging expanded cooperation through the Quad and deeper engagement on economic and security initiatives. The resolution welcomed India’s participation in regional forums and emphasized collaboration on technology, energy security and people-to-people ties.
Its introduction comes weeks after five House Democrats had urged President Donald Trump to rethink his September 19 proclamation on H-1B visas, warning of its “potentially negative impacts” on the India–US relationship. The letter, co-signed by Representatives Jimmy Panetta, Salud Carbajal, Derek Tran and Julie Johnson, argued that the program should be expanded rather than restricted given that three-quarters of current H-1B recipients are from India.
