US, India 'natural strategic allies':Democratic Draft Platform

Sridhar Krishnaswami
Washington, Aug 12(PTI) Describing India as America's
"natural strategic ally", the Democratic Party Draft Platform
for 2008 has suggested that under the Presidency of Barack
Obama the US will seek effective collaboration on pressing
global issues with all major powers including New Delhi.

"With India, we will build on the close partnership
developed over the past decade. As two of the world's great,
multi-ethnic democracies, the US and India are natural
strategic allies, and we must work together to advance our
common interests and to combat the common threats," the Draft
Platform approved by the Committee has said.

The document now goes to the Convention Floor in Denver
to be approved by the delegates.

"We believe it is in the United States' interest that all
of these emerging powers and others assume a greater stake in
promoting international peace and respect for human rights,
including through their more constructive participation in key
global institutions," the Platform Committee agreed upon in
Pittsburgh.

"We are committed to US engagement in Asia. This begins
with maintaining strong relationships with allies like Japan,
Australia, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines and
deepening our ties to vital democratic partners like India, in
order to create a stable and prosperous Asia," the Draft
documents says.

"We must also forge a more effective framework in Asia
that goes beyond bilateral agreements, occasional summits, and
ad hoc diplomatic arrangements. We need an open and inclusive
infrastructure with the countries in Asia that can promote
stability, prosperity and human rights, and help confront
transnational threats," it added. PTI SK