It was also agreed that the two defense secretaries would conduct regular dialogue. I support greater defense cooperation between the US and India. India makes sense as a natural ally in maintaining security in South Asia. Singh also raised the issue of sanctions in his meeting with Powell. The secretary of state has promised a full review of the US sanctions policy, which I fully support.
Sanctions hamper our efforts to engage India.
The time is overdue to repeal these sanctions. That is why I have co-sponsored legislation to repeal these ineffective sanctions on India. This is one of the points the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans will be working on. I was pleased to hear that the president accepted Singh's invitation to visit India. I and other members will be encouraging him to make this important trip soon.