The Indian diaspora in the U.S. remains a valuable asset for fostering India-U.S. relations, and its impact is likely to sustain and strengthen these relations in the foreseeable future.

Amid India's 2024 national elections, individuals of Indian origin—often referred to as non-resident Indians (NRIs)—residing outside India are actively shaping, disseminating information, and engaging in discussions on Indian political matters.

The United States stands out as a significant arena for Indian diasporic politics, hosting the most prominent Indian population beyond India.

Approximately 5 million Americans trace their ancestry to India, primarily consisting of first-generation and second-generation Indian immigrants. Many hold influential positions, including Vice President Kamala Harris and the current CEOs of major tech companies like Google and Microsoft. Additionally, numerous prominent Indian diaspora members contribute to leading American publications and think tanks, providing a global platform to address issues that may not receive adequate attention in domestic Indian media.

Given the recent immigration background of many Indian Americans, they maintain a strong interest in developments within their ancestral homeland. Advancements in instant electronic communication and widespread access to Indian media, such as films and music, facilitate real-time connections with India.

The Indian American diaspora's significance in Indian politics extends beyond sheer demographic numbers. As the world's foremost power, the United States exerts considerable global influence, including within India. Consequently, opinions expressed by individuals in the U.S., whether in support or critique of India, hold significant weight and contribute significantly to the political discourse within India compared to voices from other nations.

The connection between the Indian American diaspora, particularly first-generation immigrants, and Indian politics is undeniable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys significant support from members of the Indian diaspora in the United States. Modi's presence is notable in large-scale events in the United States, such as a rally in Texas 2019 that garnered attention, including the attendance of then-President Donald Trump.

The diaspora in the U.S. is somewhat self-selecting. A disproportionate number of wealthy, college-educated, English-speaking, liberal, and irreligious Indians tend to migrate to the United States. The Indian American community is only 51 percent Hindu, well below the almost 80 percent of the population they form in India. While 10 percent of the Indian American community is Muslim, 18 percent is Christian, and 5 percent is Sikh, well more than the proportions of the population the latter groups form in India: 2.3 and 1.7 percent, respectively.

In any case, only a limited number of these diaspora groups possess voting rights in Indian elections, as only Indian citizens who vote in person are eligible to vote.

The nature of Indian Americans' involvement in Indian politics is expected to evolve with the next generation. Based on personal observation as a second-generation Indian American, interest and knowledge regarding Indian affairs among my generation are generally minimal outside of specific circles focused on journalism, development issues, or international politics.

Second-generation Indian Americans exhibit a stronger affinity for cuisine, popular culture (e.g., music and films), and sometimes religion. However, political matters that do not directly impact the average Indian American are typically of limited interest. Despite the lower overall interest in Indian politics among second-generation Indians, certain groups like activists and politicians can significantly influence India-U.S. relations.

Irrespective of generational shifts, Indian Americans lean towards liberal views concerning issues within the United States. A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report states, "Indian Americans' policy stances lean more towards liberalism on U.S.-related matters and conservatism on issues affecting India." This trend stems from Indian Americans prioritizing political issues aligned with liberal values in the U.S., such as immigrant rights, separation of church and state, and racial equality. This perspective is pragmatic rather than ideological, as Hindu Indian Americans are less concerned about majoritarianism in India compared to their concerns as a minority group in the U.S.

However, a significant portion of Indian Americans also supported Trump, possibly due to shared nationalistic perspectives. Yet, their children, growing up as minorities in the U.S., may assimilate political views more relevant to their American experiences and may differ from many Trump supporters.

Prime Minister Modi has actively sought to foster positive relations with both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S., leading to strengthened ties between India and America during the Trump and Biden administrations.

Indian American college students inclined towards politics often adopt dominant ideologies prevalent on campus, which tend to be progressive. Therefore, academic environments frequently shape Indian American students' sociopolitical views, influencing their perspectives on India, including criticisms of the current BJP government.

This academic influence can extend to Indian politics, as seen in the case of Rahul Gandhi of the Congress Party, who has adopted terminology like "equity" for castes in India, influenced by American discourse.

Apart from a small group of passionate activists focused on domestic Indian issues, many Indian American politicians advocate for closer U.S.-India ties, promoting economic and military cooperation while defending India from criticism. Despite being part of the Democratic Party, many Indian American lawmakers take a neutral or positive stance towards the BJP government in India, emphasizing mutual support for India and Israel and stronger ties among the U.S., Israel, and India.

While first-generation immigrants continue to play a significant role in Indian American politics, succeeding generations are becoming increasingly assimilated into American society. However, they still contribute to fostering solid bilateral relations between the U.S. and India, mainly through military and economic cooperation, mitigating criticisms, and advocating for people-to-people ties.