India Press Releases

Remarks by Ambassador David C. Mulford, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai

September 11, 2006

(As Delivered)

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.  It’s a pleasure to be here in Mumbai this morning and to be sharing this brief period with you.  I would like to formally greet and to express my thanks to our guests here today: Dr. Sankaran, Mrs. Dutt, Dr. Pasricha, Commissioner Roy, and to all of you, our esteemed guests and colleagues – once again, thank you for joining us today.

Five years ago today, on September 11th, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people, including many citizens of India, were killed in a brutal terrorist attack on the United States.  Two months ago, India was viciously attacked when terrorists planted explosives to kill and maim unsuspecting passengers on five separate trains and two stations here in Mumbai.

On this sad anniversary, as Americans pause to remember our losses, we understand all too well the pain and loss caused by terrorists in this great country.

The victims of September 11^th, 2001 were citizens of more than 90 different countries and adherents of many different faiths.  The attacks brought tragedy and grief to innocent people in America and to families across the world.  The people of India have suffered repeated terror attacks -- in Mumbai, New Delhi, Srinagar, and India’s northeastern states.

Our two great countries, as members of the international community, regularly reaffirm our shared commitment to confront and to defeat the terrorists who sew only hatred and destruction.  We know that terrorism is not just an attack against one nation or one community.  Terrorism is a direct assault on free societies everywhere.  There can be no conceivable explanation or justification for these despicable acts, whether in New York, Mumbai or Malegaon last Friday.

The principles and freedoms that unite free nations like India and the United States will prevail over the militant few who seek to impose their nihilistic creed on the world.

In defense of our country, the United States is taking action with our partners across the globe against terrorists.  The U.S. and India are rapidly expanding our anti-terror cooperation.  We will do all we can to help India bring to justice those who commit acts of terror like those on 7/11 here in Mumbai.  We are sharing sensitive information and police and investigative best practices in forensics, threat protection and the disruption of terrorist financing.  This will save lives. 

Despite the tragedy and violence inflicted on our cities, people in the U.S. and India will move forward with renewed commitment to the preservation of diverse, tolerant democratic societies -- societies founded on the rule of law, respect for human rights and freedom for all of our people.

The American people and our Indian friends resolve, today and all days, to remain determined and unafraid, and to honor the memory of our fellow citizens caught in the vortex of terror.  We stand by our belief that all people everywhere are equally deserving of justice, respect, opportunity and dignity.  India and the United States will keep faith with our founding principles as we answer history's call to protect our freedoms and to bring justice to our enemies.  Thank you very much.

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