Vajpayee recognized the significance of ties with U.S.: Pompeo

Pompeo recalled that Vajpayee had famously characterized U.S.-India ties as a “natural partnership of shared endeavors” in his speech to the U.S Congress in 2000.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks during a news conference in this file photo.

A B Vajpayee had recognized the promise of India-U.S ties, the U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tribute to the first BJP Prime Minister of India. “He recognized early on that the United States and India, based on their shared democratic values, could develop a partnership that would contribute to the economic prosperity and security of the region and the world,” Mr. Pompeo said in a statement. He recalled that Vajpayee had famously characterized U.S.-India ties as a “natural partnership of shared endeavors” in his speech to the U.S Congress in 2000.

“On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India on the recent passing of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” the Secretary of State, who is scheduled to travel to India next month for the first 2+2 dialogue between the two countries said.

“We know that many Indians will reflect on Prime Minister Vajpayee’s many contributions that led to India’s rise as a global and economic power. He championed tirelessly for his country’s development and demonstrated a devotion to improving the lives of every Indian. Today, our two countries and our bilateral relationship continue to benefit from Prime Minister Vajpayee’s vision, which helped promote expanded cooperation. The American people and I stand with the people of India as we mourn Prime Minister Vajpayee’s passing. Today, we hold the people of India in our thoughts and prayers,” Mr. Pompeo said.