Speeches and Remarks 2006

New York and Mumbai, Facing Terror with Courage
By David C. Mulford
U.S. Ambassador to India

Five years ago, on September 11th, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people, including many citizens of India, were killed in the largest terror attack ever in the United States.  Two months ago, India was viciously attacked, when terrorists planted explosives to kill and maim unsuspecting passengers on five separate trains in Mumbai.  Last Friday dozens more were murdered by terrorist bombs in the city of Malegaon.  Terrorism is not new to our countries, yet our resolve in the face of these incidents vividly demonstrates the principles that unite our two great nations. 

As Americans and Indians reflect on these separate tragedies we are coming to the same conclusion:  Terrorism is not just an attack against one nation or community, terrorism is a direct assault on free societies everywhere.

Motivated by hatred, the vision spawned by terrorists loathes open, democratic and pluralistic societies like the United States and India. Although terrorism inflicts much pain and suffering, its malign vision will ultimately result in its own failure.  The ideology of hatred espoused by terrorists prevents them from appreciating the deep reserves of strength that are woven into the fabric of open societies like India and the United States. 

On recent visits to New York I have been deeply impressed by the resolve of New Yorkers to restore their sense of community and to show the world their strength and their resilience in the wake of tragedy.  Visiting the area where the World Trade Centers once stood is truly a moving experience. 

In the same spirit, I will visit Mumbai today.  Like many others throughout the world I was also inspired by the images of Mumbai commuters filling trains on July 12 - people determined to return to work, to resume their lives, to persevere and to provide a better life for their families.  We hope that the citizens of Malegaon will do the same.  The people of India have shown not only undaunted courage, but also impressive calm and restraint in the wake of the attacks.

In addition to our losses on 9/11 in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, Americans today will also be thinking of our many other citizens and soldiers who have been lost to terrorism.  Throughout its history, India has suffered repeated terrorist attacks.  Today, we remember 9/11, the coordinated July 11 Mumbai train attacks, and the Malegaon blasts, but we cannot forget attacks in New Delhi, Srinagar and India's northeastern states. 

There can be no justification for terrorism.  All major religions teach that life is precious and that taking innocent life, including your own, is wrong.  The victims of terrorism are innocent men, women and children senselessly murdered on their way to and from work or school, visiting relatives, and simply going about their daily lives.  After suffering a vicious attack on its people, India's determination to maintain and strengthen its democratic institutions and practices has been worthy of the world's admiration.  On this day, the people of New York, and Americans from across the United States, reaffirm their support for the people of India in this struggle and we share your sorrow - even as I know you stand with us.

Prime Minister Singh spoke for everyone in this country when he declared, "Mumbai stands tall once again as the symbol of a united India, an inclusive India."  In his condemnation of the Mumbai train bombings, President Bush was very clear, "Such acts only strengthen the resolve of the international community to stand united against terrorism and to declare unequivocally that there is no justification for the vicious murder of innocent people." The President's words hold true for Friday's terror attacks.

The U.S. shares India's view that terrorism has no place in a civilized, democratic, tolerant, peace-loving society.  During the past few years, the U.S. - India partnership has expanded greatly, including our increased cooperation in combating terrorism.  The people and government of the United States will do all we can to help India bring those who commit acts of terror to justice.  We have a growing counter terrorism relationship. We are sharing sensitive information that will save lives.  We are sharing police and investigative best practices in forensics and threat detection.  We have also expanded security protections for sea cargo and are working to cut off access to terrorist financing.

Even before 9/11, India was a victim of terrorism originating directly from Afghanistan.  Since the fall of the Taliban, we have worked closely together to assist with Afghanistan's reconstruction, strengthen Afghan democracy, and ensure that country never again becomes a breeding ground for extremism or a platform for terrorism against other countries.

In the aftermath of their respective strategies, Mumbaikers and New Yorkers are moving forward with their lives.  Survivors of these terrorist attacks have responded to hatred and violence by renewing their commitment to the preservation of diverse, tolerant democratic societies -- societies founded on the rule of law and the respect for human rights.  Our two nations share a vision for a better and safer world, and a determination to create a stronger strategic partnership to combat the forces of disintegration that use violence to challenge the most basic foundations of our societies.

Today, as families and nations mourn, our leaders and our people remain determined and unafraid.  We know that all people are equal and equally deserving of justice, respect, opportunity and dignity.  India and the United States will keep faith with our founding principles and we will defeat those who seek to destroy us.

(Published in The Times of India, September 11, 2006)