India and the United States are the torch bearers for democracy in the 21st century. The two nations may have different histories but fundamentally they have been and continue to be cultural melting pots. Today their destinies are tied in many ways and it is incumbent upon the representatives of both peoples to work together to achieve the great potential that a meaningful and people-centric relationship has to offer.

This briefing is dedicated to inform the 110th Congress of the latest developments in India. We do so from three important perspectives:

Geopolitical/Security: India is in a dynamic neighborhood where the political landscape is constantly undergoing change. With the presence of nuclear weapons on the subcontinent all changes and shifts must be viewed closely. Given the high stakes it is important to understand the motivations behind political decisions and their implications on regional and global security. We will try to explore the rationale of decisions being made in New Delhi and how they are going to impact Indo-US relations and regional politics in the security context.

Economic Outlook: Scores of articles and analysis are available on the much touted expanding Indian economy. But it is instructive to take a closer look at the economy that is still 2/3rd agrarian and that has a rapidly growing service sector at the same time. What are some of the key challenges that Indian policy makers face as the country moves forward on the path of globalization and economic liberalization, which will then shape India's trade policy and foreign policy?

Internal politics: To best understand the people's mindset and political pressures it is crucial to tune into the political discourse of a nation. India is going to have a general election in 2009 and significant state and local elections are already underway. The current government is centrist by most standards. We will start looking at these precedent setting developments and try to see if a left or right shift in 2009 can be deciphered. When a democracy that houses every sixth human on the planet makes an ideological shift it is rather important that we understand its implications. We will also look at how people's movements are molding India and its policy outlook.

We hope you join us in learning more about these issues and joining in a spirited discussion thereafter.

DIRECTIONS:

Public Transportation Recommended!!!

• Get off metro BLUE/ORANGE LINE station Capitol South.
• The Capitol South Metro is across the street from the O'Neill House Office Building and the Madison Building of the Library of Congress.
• Walk towards Independence Ave.
• Turn left on Independence and walk for a block.
• Driveway to ONLY public entrance to the Main Capitol Building is on Independence Avenue across from the Longworth Building. Follow it to the entrance.
• We highly recommend you view this Detailed map of the Capitol Campus.