Bell Ringing Ceremony - U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)

U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is on a three week official trip to the country, visited the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and participated in the official bell ringing ceremony in the presence of Mr. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, BSE. The welcome address was given by Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Public Interest Director, BSE, which was followed by an address made to the audience by Congresswoman Gabbard.

Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Public Interest Director, BSE welcomed Congresswoman Gabbard to BSE. “Congresswoman Gabbard’s presence in the 140 year old institution, which is also Asia’s first stock exchange and one of India’s leading exchange groups, is momentous as it bolsters investor confidence across India and the U.S.” Mr. Rao is retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer of the 1973 batch and has been held several coveted posts in the State of Karnataka and the Union Government in the past.

Speaking during the ceremony, Congresswoman Gabbard said, “I am really honored to participate in ringing the bell (ceremony). I think my presence here today represents a symbol of renewed relationship between India and the United States and the incredible potential and opportunity that exists for further cooperation, and collaboration to bring about true progress and positive change in the many areas of shared interest between our two countries.”

Congresswoman Gabbard, who is on a congressional break, has met the Prime Minister and several other Ministers including Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parikkar and Foreign Minister Smt Sushma Swaraj during her visit. Her objective is to promote trade and tourism between India and U.S. She has also met several business leaders and explored potential areas of engagement between her state of Hawaii and India. Congresswoman Gabbard has so far visited New Delhi, Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai during this release.

Congresswoman Gabbard harbours a deep interest in promotion of trade between India and the U.S. She believes that the relations between the two nations are strong and growing, owing to the Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the US and the imminent visit of the US President Barack Obama to India next month.  The Congresswoman strongly supports the counter terrorism efforts and military cooperation between the US and India. Congresswoman Gabbard also expressed that besides trade, there should be a focus on promoting tourism between the two countries as well. The state of Hawaii is highly regarded for its scenic beauty and welcomes the residents of India to explore more of America, and especially Hawaii. Congresswoman Gabbard is also the member of House Committee of Foreign Affairs and a Representative of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.