Cleveland (US): The Republican Party has described India as a ‘geopolitical ally’ of the US as it urged New Delhi to protect all its religious communities from violence and discrimination.
"India is our geopolitical ally and a strategic trading partner. The dynamism of its people and the endurance of their democratic institutions are earning their country a position of leadership not only in Asia but throughout the world," it said in its election manifesto released by the party after its formal approval.
"For all of India's religious communities, we urge protection against violence and discrimination," it said while noting the contributions made by the citizens of Indian ancestry to the US.
The election document further called for securing nuclear arsenal of Pakistan and said that the Middle East have created special political and military challenges for Islamabad.
"Our working relationship is necessary, though sometimes difficult, beneficial to both, and we look towards the strengthening of historic ties that have frayed under the weight of international conflict," it said.
"This process cannot progress as long as any citizen of Pakistan can be punished for helping the war on terror. Pakistanis, Afghans, and Americans have a common interest in ridding the region of the Taliban and securing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal," said the document.
Calling for mutual trust for progress of the region, it said, "A Republican president will work with all regional leaders to restore mutual trust while insisting upon progress against corruption and the narcotic trade that fuels insurgency".
The 2012 Republican platform had welcomed a stronger relationship with the world's largest democracy both economically and culturally, as well as in matters of national security.
"We hereby affirm and declare that India is our geopolitical ally and a strategic trading partner. We encourage India to permit greater foreign investment and trade. We urge protection for adherents of all India's religions," it said.
In 2012, the Republican platform had also said that it expects the Pakistan government to sever any connection between its security and intelligence forces and the insurgents.
"No Pakistani citizen should be punished for helping the United States against the terrorists," it added.
With PTI Inputs
