Atal Bihari Vajpayee visit to the USA
During Vajpayee's visit to the US, democracy once against appeared to take the centre stage of Indo-US relationship.
Vajpayee in his address to joint session of the US congress remarked, "American people have shown that democracy and individual liberty provide the conditions in which knowledge progresses, science discovers, innovation occurs enterprise thrives and ultimately people advance".
He further added, "Just as American experience has been a lesson in what people can achieve in a democratic framework, India has been the laboratory of a democratic process rising to meet the strongest challenges that can be flung at it. In the half century of our independent existence, we have woven an exquisite tapestry. Out of diversity, we have brought unity.
The several Languages of India speak with one voice under the roof of our Parliament. In your remarkable experiment as a nation-state, you have proven the same truth. Out of the huddled masses that you welcomed to your shores, you have created a great nation.".
During Vajpayee's visit a memorial was dedicated to Gandhi and the Prime Minister utilised the occasion to underline the importance of democracy and respect for diversity. Vajpayee said, "We cherish, preserve and promote human rights such as freedom of speech, political choice and religious belief.
These are universal values that form the foundation of more tolerant and compassionate societies, a more non-violent world free from tensions and fear."
The US too echoed similar sentiments.
Vajpayee visited US on four occasions. In his first visit on September 13, 2000 he addressed Joint Session of the US Congress. In 2002 and 2003, he met with George Bush at the UN General Assembly in New York.
