Mr Chidambaram went on to say that a strong and prosperous India at the heart of Asia will be a source of peace and harmony in the world. India is a re-emerging economy, and it is rediscovering itself. It wants to engage with the world, concluded the Minister.
Introducing the Finance Minister, Mr William S. Cohen, former Secretary of Defense of US, said that Mr Chidambaram represented the face of reforms in India and is at the forefront of the Indian government's efforts for reforms. 'There is a fire burning in the heart of India, it is coming into the light and rising to the sun,” Mr Cohen commented.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador David C Mulford, US Ambassador to India, stated that the impressive aspect of India's reform process was that it has been spread over 16 years, and is supported by all governments and the people.
At 60, it represents a large population, parliamentary democracy, rule of law, a secular government and religious tolerance, and is 'nothing short of a miracle.' He said that US India relations are at an all-time high and the US vision is to help it become a world power.
The civil nuclear initiative attempts to address one area of restriction to growth, and steps are still needed to complete the process. But other relations are also remarkable with a comprehensive interface across sectors.
Dr Vishakha N Desai, President of the Asia Society began the proceedings earlier by commenting on the maturityof India at 60.
Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, President CII, in his remarks said that India looks to the US for cutting-edge technology and markets, but the potential of the relationship is yet to be realized. Indian industry looks forward to a deeper engagement with the US economy.
Confederation of Indian Industry
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