Washington, Jan 23 (IANS): Brad Sherman, the second ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, considered a friend of India, will serve as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Asia in the new Congress.

Sherman is an active member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans co-chaired by fellow Democrat Ami Bera, the lone Indian-American Congressman.

The Asia Subcommittee has become increasingly important as Congress and the Obama administration have shifted focus to the region.

"It is a great privilege to become the Ranking Member on Asia," said Sherman.

"In this post I can continue working with the Indian-American community on important public policy issues, as well as help strengthen cooperation between Washington and New Delhi."

As the new ranking member on the Asia subcommittee, Sherman said he plans to work for the implementation of the civil nuclear agreement, expand economic relations between India and the US, and work together on critical security issues in South and Central Asia including counterterrorism efforts.

Sherman will also continue to serve as Chairman Emeritus on the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, where he can help shape beneficial trade relationships with India, his office said in a release.

He was the chair of the panel when he helped pass the resolution approving the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement.

Sherman represents the San Fernando Valley with a vibrant Indian-American population.