Washington: Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, who has made a mark in the House of Representatives on foreign policy and national security issues, has joined the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. However, he said that he would continue to pursue the American objectives of a strong US-India relationship and peace and stability in the region. Khanna joined the Pakistani Caucus after the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to the US last month.
The two-term Democratic Congressman representing Silicon Valley is the first Indian-American lawmaker to join the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. The Congressional Pakistan Caucus was founded in May by Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Jim Banks. Lee and Khanna (42) are also members of the Congressional Caucus for India and Indian Americans. The latter is the largest single-country Caucus in the House.
The Indian American politician, who is serving his second term in the House, said: "I am a proud member of the US-India Caucus and have supported legislation condemning the terrorist bombing in Kashmir and promoting stronger defense ties between the US and India. At the same time, I believe it's critical to engage all regional players, including India and Pakistan, to stabilize Afghanistan so that the US can withdraw troops. I will continue to pursue the American objectives of a strong US-India relationship and peace and stability in the region," he told the India-based wire service.
The Pakistani Ambassador to the US, Asad M Khan, thanked Khanna for joining the Pakistani Caucus. "Had a wonderful meeting with Congressman Ro Khanna. We discussed the prime Minister’s (Imran Khan) recent visit to the US and ways to promote Pakistan-US relations. Congressman Khanna took keen interest in promoting peace in South Asia. Thanked him for joining the Pakistan Caucus," Asad M Khan wrote on Twitter.
Khanna responded: “Thank you Ambassador Khan for your time and for a constructive and candid conversation about ways to bring peace in Afghanistan and South Asia, tackle terrorism, and protect women’s rights and human rights.”
