Dear Presidential Candidate:

The India American community would greatly appreciate your answers to the following questions. Your responses would be publicized widely to the community.

Question 1: There has been growing defense cooperation between the US and India. In recent years, it has taken the form of joint exercises, exchanges, lifting of import restrictions, etc. How do you see the growing defense cooperation between the US and India? Would you favor increasing it? (100 words)

Question 2: India’s economic prospects depend on its ability to export goods and services to markets in the industrialized countries, particularly the United States. There have been attempts, some at the state level, to place curbs of various forms on these exports. What are your views on giving greater access to developing countries, including India, to the US market? (100 words)

Question 3: India has been a victim of Pakistan-supported terrorism. From US sources, we know that Pakistan maintains training camps and condones/ facilitates infiltration of these groups into Kashmir.  What actions would you take to discourage Pakistan from supporting terrorism in Kashmir? What is your position on US role in resolving the India-Pakistan dispute on Kashmir? (100 words)

Question 4: Given its size and strategic importance, many have argued that India deserves to have a permanent seat in the Security Council. Would you support India’s case? (100 words)

Question 5: The Patriot Act gives sweeping new powers of detention and surveillance to the Executive branch of government and law enforcement agencies, and deprives the government of judicial oversight to ensure that these law enforcement powers are not being abused. Indian Americans and other minority communities feel particularly vulnerable to the abuses of the Patriot Act. What would you do to allay their fears? Would you repeal provisions of the Patriot Act that have seriously undermined the civil liberties of American citizens and non-citizens? (100 words)

Question 6: Post 9/11, there has been an increase in hate crimes towards Indian Americans and other minorities. What would you do to reduce the incidence of such crimes? (100 words)

Question 7: As a growing community, which has many accomplishments, the Indian Americans feel grossly underrepresented in all branches of the government. Would role do you envisage for Indian Americans in your administration? Would you seek them out for senior positions? (100 words)

Question 8: Do you have any message for the India American community in the United States? (200 words)

Question 9: How can the Indian American community get involved with you campaign? Who do we contact for this purpose? (100 words)

Please mail or email your answers to the following address:

Himanshu Desai

Chair, Political Awareness Committee
India Association of New Hampshire
PO Box 3032
Manchester, NH 03105
Phone: (603) 472-3289
Email: dickydesai@comcast.net
 

Thank you very much.