Ban on outsourcing to have little impact on Indo-US trade partnership, says Roemer

NEW DELHI - US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer on Friday evaded a direct reply on the impact of the ban on outsourcing of the government IT and back office projects by the state of Ohio, but said such attempts were made in the US in 2005, which had little impact on growing Indo-US trade partnership.

“India is an indispensable US partner and it is the 14th largest trading partner of America. The two countries are working together on next green revolution, addressing the growing impact of climate change, creation of jobs besides the joint fight against the menace of global terrorism,” said Roemer, while addressing the media here today.

Further, talking about the September 11, 2001 attacks, Roemer said: “On September 11, 2001, the world stopped as we all watched in horror the murder of innocent people of all faiths from around the world. As we remember the thousands of lives lost that day we must strive together to make this day a time to reflect on the power of tolerance to triumph over terrorism.”

“In the United States, September 11 is a National Day of Remembrance and Service. As we join together to make this day count and to strengthen and enrich the ties that bind us together as fellow citizens of the planet, we give terror no power over us and we honor the memory of the victims of 9/11 in the U.S. and around the world,” he added.

Roemer further said religious freedom is a value enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and one of the many core values we share with the people of India.

“I traveled recently to Varanasi and I was heartened and humbled to meet with an august gathering of religious leaders representing India’s welcoming, tolerant, multifaith society,” he added.

Further talking about event of Florida pastor Terry Jones carrying out his threat to burn the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, Roemer said: “As we learn of plans by one misguided individual in the U.S. to burn the holy Quran on the 9/11 anniversary, valuing the diversity of our communities and working together for our greater good has never been more important.

“It is also more important than ever before that we speak clearly and consistently about our commitment to religious tolerance. I condemn such acts as disrespectful, intolerant, divisive, and un-representative of American values. The deliberate destruction of any holy book is an abhorrent act,” he added.

The US Ambassador to India said America is not a nation built on hate or intolerance.

“Our history, which owes much to the example of Gandhiji and the Indian independence movement, shows us that great change can be effected in the world through peaceful means and without violence,” said Roemer.

“Throughout the United States and indeed throughout the world, we have heard a chorus of voices calling for moderation, tolerance, openness to diversity, and respect for all. I join that call and ask the citizens of this great country to join me in resisting those who seek to undermine the very values that both of our countries are built upon,” he added.

Roemer also offered his best wishes to the people of India on the occasion of Id-ul-Fitr.

Earlier on Thursday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said India will formally convey its disappointment to the United States over the ban on the offshore outsourcing at the high-level trade policy forum meeting in Washington later this month.

“It will be on the agenda. I will raise the issue at the Trade Policy Forum meeting there definitely,” said Sharma.

Sharma and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk will co-chair a meeting of the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) on September 21 to facilitate bilateral trade relations between the countries. (ANI)