Washington:
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to the United States, two influential American senators have said the US - India relationship remains one of the most important partnerships in the world and there is an opportunity to continue making progress that will benefit both the nations.
"As the world's two largest democracies, the US - India relationship remains one of the most important partnerships in the world. We warmly welcome Prime Minister Modi to the United States and are hopeful we can work together to grow our relationship and identify areas we can strengthen in the years to come," Senator John Cornyn said.
"As the co-founder and co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I look forward to continuing to help the US-India partnership reach its full potential," Mr Cornyn said in a joint statement issued along with Senator Mark Warner.
Both are co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, the only country specific caucus in the US Senate.
"We have already seen progress in the relationship in the first 100 days of Prime Minister Modi's administration, and I believe there is an opportunity to continue making progress that will benefit both of our countries," said Senator Warner, who published a 'First 100-Days' plan that outlined 12 recommendations for action, seven of which have already been adopted by both governments.
"From energy, to defense, to counterterrorism, to trade, the United States and India have many overlapping national interests. As our trade relationship continues to grow, increasing export opportunities to India will create more jobs for Americans back here at home," Mr Warner said.
Early this week, the two senators introduced a resolution that designates September 30, 2014 as US - India Partnership Day. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate. US - India Partnership Day coincides with PM Modi's visit to the White House, highlighting the bilateral commitment to furthering the relationship between the two countries.