Washington: The House of Representatives has passed a resolution lauding the contribution of Indians of American origin in the US and the importance of working together with India to "promote peace, prosperity and freedom among all countries of the world".

It cleared the resolution with an overwhelming margin of 412 to 2 in a House whose current membership is 434.

The two members voting against were Ron Paul and Sam Johnson, both Texas Republicans. Another Congressman, Peter DeFazio (D-OR), while a member of the India Caucus, abstained.

He was of the view that the broad message of the resolution was unbalanced in presenting a picture of Indo-US relations, especially in view of the concerns on account of US "job exports" to India and consequent unemployment problems here.

Congressman Douglas Bereuter, who moved the resolution for passage, said, "India is the largest Democratic country in the world and enjoys a close and mutual friendship with the United States based on common values and common interests."

The resolution noted that "people of Indian origin who have for decades immigrated to the United States have made extraordinary contributions to the United States, helping to make the United States a more efficient and prosperous country".