The following is the text of the opening remarks made by the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and ranking member of the House, at Washington yesterday:

~It gives me great pleasure to meet you again.

The remarkable progress in India-US relations in recent years has been possible due to the vision and support of the political leadership in our two countries. Your contribution to this process, and that of this House, has been enormous.

Mr. Speaker, your invitation to me last year to address the Joint Sitting of the US Congress was a reflection of your commitment to greater understanding between our two nations. The near unanimous resolution of the House after the elections to our Parliament two years ago was an expression of solidarity and mutual support that democracies must have for each other. The people of India had greatly appreciated that gesture.

I have long believed that India and the United States are natural allies. The political transition in the United States has not affected the momentum of our efforts to build a qualitatively new relationship.

We have many common interests. Our partnership can contribute to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. We can work together to ensure access to energy resources in Asia, maintain freedom and security of sea lanes in the region and advance economic prosperity. Counter terrorism has been an important part of our wide ranging bilateral agenda. And, in the days ahead, our cooperation in this will be a vital factor in the long and complex fight that we must wage against the forces of terrorism and extremism.

In my address to the Congress last year, I had pointed out that distance is no insulation against terrorism. The tragic events of September 11 have focussed international attention on the extent and reach of terrorism as never before. The present military campaign will also have far-reaching effects on the political and security environment in the world, particularly in Asia. This will demand stronger India-US cooperation for the advancement of peace, democracy and prosperity.

I am confident that we can count on your vision, guidance and support as we work together in pursuit of common goals.

Thank you.