The Indian American Diaspora the Bridge Connecting India and the United States

Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, members of the Indian-American Caucus, participated in PM Modi’s address, expressing their interest and dedication to strengthening cooperation between the US and India. 

Indian PM Modi during his state visit to the US, addressed business leaders and professionals who belonged to the Indian-American diaspora community. The address took place at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC, where, following his speech, he walked through the aisle to greet the audience; a crowd of highly accomplished people from various sectors.

He met with promising Indian American leaders like Ro Khanna and applauded them for their vision and hard work. Before the address, Mr. Khanna met with PM Modi at the state dinner hosted by President Biden and a joint US Congress meeting with senators and congressional representatives.

Mr. Khanna has raised opinions on the strategic forefront regarding Kashmir issues and several other political conflicts while emerging as the strongest supporter of India-US ties for an organized and established economy. He introduced a resolution in the House to advocate for deeper security ties. As per the proposal, he found an India-specific waiver of Countering America’s Adversaries under the Sanction Act (CAATSA) to purchase weapon systems from various nations.

Mr. Khanna is the co-chairperson of the informally called Samosa Caucus, an established group of five Indian Americans. His letter to speaker Kevin McCarthy inviting PM Modi to the joint meeting to address the gathering is one crucial factor for PM Modi’s address. Following the Congress meeting, Khanna met with PM Modi at the next diaspora event and discussed Gandhi and his principles, Indian democracy, and human rights.

As a descendant of the freedom fighter, he shared preachings and etiquettes learned from his grandfather. PM Modi commemorated that Mr. Khanna should be proud of his grandfather and added that the effort for India to rise to the sixth largest economy is notably a considerable pride to the nation.

PM Modi remarked the Samosa Caucus to be the flavor of the US Senate House, sharing his interest in witnessing the growth of full diversity of Indian cuisine on the horizon. Another notable leader who attended his address was Pramila Jayapal, a member of the Democratic Party in the US. The 57-year-old Indian-American representative moved to the US in her teens and is currently chairing the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She has raised opinions from time to time regarding the Indian government’s acquisition actions at Kashmir and wrote a letter to Biden along with 74 congressional leaders to strengthen Indian-American ties.

During the state dinner, PM Modi appreciated Mrs. Jayapal, Mr. Khanna, and several other members of the Samosa Caucus, expressing a contented work relationship that he has established with all these leaders.

Another notable organization member who was present was Ami Bera from California, serving as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He stated that PM Modi had underlined every significant area of the US-India relationship, like technology, trade, and security concerns, explaining threats that prevail in the Indo-Pacific Region. It is where an established and strengthened US-India partnership opens up a prosperous future ahead for both nations.

Bera later issued an official statement welcoming PM Modi’s visit and initiations to strengthen ties in the space, tech, and defense horizons. He added that the PM's vision on vibrance, democracy, values, and freedom is all set under one broader theme to strengthen India-US diplomacy, ensuring that now’s the time to maintain the commitment between both nations.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, another notable member of the Samosa Caucus, was also present at PM Modi’s address. The 47-year-old Indian-American politician and currently a representative is an influential and informed voice on foreign policy and national security debates in the US. He has championed his position in India-US ties, escorting PM Modi to his chamber for the address. He also met with PM Modi at the lunch hosted by vice-president Kamala Harris and Antony J Blinken, the Secretary of State.

Mr. Krishnamoorthy proposed bipartisan legislation along with fellow leaders to track weapon sales from the US to India at a fast pace. It aims to expand security cooperation between both nations by adding India to the list of partners included in the Arms Export Control Act.

The fifth and indispensable member of the Samosa Caucus, Shri Thanedar, also participated, escorting Modi into the chamber. Mr. Thanedar also supported a Congressional Hindu caucus, expressing his respect for PM Modi.        

PM Modi’s state visit to the US was planned from 21^st-24^th June to strengthen India's and the US's shared commitment toward a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific space. Commenced primarily with a welcome address by President Biden, he highlighted the notable contributions and roles of Indian-Americans in his administration, where vice-president Kamala Harris stands as a testament.

Countries all around the globe have acknowledged India and the US as an inspiration for the treatment of critics, the vulnerable, and minorities. Redefining India-US ties with robust partnerships will nurture seamless potential opportunities for both nations in regions like space, defense, education, semiconductor, and cooperation. Various important deals, like strengthening the diplomacy between both countries and SeaGuardian drones, were signed during the state visit. These five Indian-American leaders represent the success of the diaspora, achieving a sense of pride, ownership, and commitment to the land and their origin.