United With Our Friends in India

The series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai yesterday are shocking and disturbing on many levels. Our hearts and sympathy go to the victims, their families and to the peace loving people of India.

I have had the great fortune of visiting India on several occasions over the last dozen years. To the first time visitor, India may cause sensory overload as all of our five senses are continuously stimulated by the unfamiliar. However, once one acclimates to the new stimulus, he will discover that India is a warm, inviting and magnificent place. Whether in India as a tourist, to visit friends or on business, I have developed a deep appreciation and affection for the country, its people and their culture.

Professionally, India is a rapidly emerging country with a deep well of educated, hardworking and ambitious people. Over the last dozen years, India developed into one of our most important economic partners. This trend will accelerate and continue in the future.

Strategically, it is an understatement to say that India is "the world's largest democracy." While true, India is not just another democracy. It is strategically located, sharing borders with China and Pakistan and close to many other threats including Iran and Afghanistan. Like Israel, every day India demonstrates to the world that it is possible for a democracy with progressive values, the rule of law, individual civil liberties, freedom of the press and religion to not only exist but also thrive in a part of the world where many do not feel it is possible. It is our common set of values that is the basis of the bond between our nations. Politically we will not always see eye to eye, friends sometimes disagree. However, India is among our most important strategic allies and friends in the world.

However, it is my personal bond with India that makes these attacks really hit home. When I visit Mumbai, I stay with the family of one of my closest and dearest friends, and I truly feel at home. Our families have grown close over the years and it is through this relationship that I developed a strong personal bond with India. Participating in his wedding was one of the most joyous and wonderful experiences I have known.

I have been to many of the places in Mumbai that were attacked yesterday. My friend goes to these places frequently as they are important locations for having meetings and conducting business. This morning, I received an email from him letting me know that all in his family are well. Yesterday, his parents were watching a movie at a theater near the Oberoi hotel. They spent the night at a nearby friend's place because they could not make it home.

Their experience in some ways is not too dissimilar from the experiences of New Yorkers on 9/11. The terrorists deliberately, brutally and mercilessly targeted innocent civilians and sought to murder as many people as possible. In this goal they were successful. The size and scope of the attacks required well developed detailed plans. Developing and executing these plans required patience, resources, frequent communication and practiced coordination. As on 9/11, the terrorists attacked locations that were more than just easy targets. They were important symbols of India. Attacking them was meant to send an unmistakable message that there are people who will stop at nothing to destroy our common values and way of life. We should never forget this valuable lesson.

Today, we in America are united with our friends in India. We mourn for their loss as if it were our own. But, today is also Thanksgiving. I am thankful that my friend and his family are all well. I am thankful that I live in a free society. I am thankful for all the men and women who have served and serve today in our armed forces who sacrifice so much on our behalf.