India is America's strongest ally: Cornyn

"India is one of our nation's strongest allies and friends and I am confident Ambassador Shankar will be instrumental in strengthening this partnership and moving it forward," said John Cornyn, the Republican Senator from Texas.

Cornyn is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, which held a reception for Shankar at the Capitol on Tuesday. Nearly one-fourth of the US Senators turned up for the reception.

"It was a pleasure meeting Ambassador Meera Shankar and other Indian officials. I look forward to a positive and productive working relationship with the new Ambassador," Cornyn said.

"Since 2004, India and the US have built a strategic partnership based on our common values and our shared commitment to expanding opportunities in education, energy, and beyond," he said.