Congressman mistakes US staffers for Indian representatives

A newly elected congressman in the US has made a cringeworthy faux pas after mistaking two dark-skinned public servants for members of the Indian government.

Republican Curt Clawson was hearing testimony from Nisha Biswal and Arun Kumar, who both hold senior positions in the US government.

Although both Biswal and Kumar were introduced to Clawson as US officials, the congressman continuously asked the pair questions about "your country" and then began heaping praise on India including his love of Bollywood movies.

"I'm familiar with your country; I love your country," Rep Clawson said.

"Anything I can do to make the relationship with India better, I'm willing and enthusiastic about doing so."

"Just as your capital is welcome here to produce good-paying jobs in the US, I'd like our capital to be welcome there," he added.

"I ask cooperation and commitment and priority from your government in so doing. Can I have that?"

Either unaware of Rep Clawson's mistake or perhaps too polite to point it out, Ms Biswal replied: "I think your question is to the Indian government. We certainly share your sentiment, and we certainly will advocate that on behalf of the US."

It's extremely uncommon for foreign officials to testify before Congress under oath.

Source: Foreign Policy, Huffington Post