Washington, Feb 6 (IANS): The Republican party has chosen Peter Roskam, a House of Representative member from Illinois, as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus of India and Indian Americans - the largest caucus dedicated to one country in the House - charged with advancement of US-India relations.

He takes over from Ed Royce, who has become chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and joins Democrat co-chair Joe Crowley on the panel.

"It's an honour to play a leading role in the advancement of US-India relations along with my friend Joe Crowley," Roskam said.

"This caucus has grown to become the largest caucus dedicated to one country in the House, showing the importance of nurturing our ties with one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world," he said.

"Our countries are linked through our common interest in the democratic process, global security and international prosperity.

"In my meetings back home with the large Indian-American community in my district, there's always a natural connection between their entrepreneurial spirit and our shared values.

"This caucus has the opportunity to further these priorities and I'm proud to be part of that effort," Roskam said.

On Tuesday's announcement, Royce said: "It has been a great pleasure to watch the India Caucus grow to become one of the largest in the House. The Caucus is in good hands with Reps. Roskam and Crowley, long-time advocates of close US-India ties."

"As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to work to strengthen relations between the United States and India," he said promising to remain an active Caucus member.