We also share common concerns about terrorism and extremism and the ideology of hatred which has killed our countrymen and women.

'More and more Americans realise that our countries share common interests and common values,' Cornyn said, noting that the strength of the caucus had risen to 37 with one more senator joining Tuesday.

Shankar lavished fulsome praise on the Indian-American community, saying: 'We have seen how effectively you served as a window to Indian heritage and progress with a sense of pride and skills and through diversity and pluralism.'

'Time and again you have come together to collectively, as you did last year, open new doors to our relationship,' she said. 'You have been a great bridge of friendship and understanding between our two countries.'

Noting that last year alone India had ordered at least $3.5 billion worth of defence equipment from the US, Shankar said the Clinton 'visit will open up the defence market and provide new avenue for productive partnership between the two countries'.

'India and the US have undertaken a truly remarkable journey and got into territories neither had imagined possible a few years ago, she said, noting: 'This journey has transcended political transitions in both countries and has indeed been invigorated by the broad based support it enjoys in both countries.'

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)