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On June 13th, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) hosted a successful US India Summit at Capitol Hill, featuring impactful advocacy and discussions on key policy issues. FIIDS Chief of Policy and Strategy, Khanderao Kand, highlighted their effective campaign, where, “over 135 Indian American delegates from 22 states met with more than 83 elected officials from 35 states. They addressed topics like ICET and tech export exemption for India, elevating Major Defense Partner status of India, eliminating 7% per country quota to eliminate GC backlog and other immigration reforms, religious bias and hate crimes against Indian Americans, specifically Hindus, and Indo-Pacific security.”
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nancy Jackson emphasized the significance of the US-India relationship, calling it “our most consequential relationship.” She highlighted major events in 2023, including PM Modi’s state visit and President Biden’s visit for the G20 Summit, expressing optimism for continued collaboration on climate, space, and defense. Jackson quoted PM Modi, saying, “No corner of human enterprise is untouched by the partnership between our two countries from the sea to the stars.”
Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan noted the transformation in US-India relations, stating, “The US-India relationship has transitioned from an era where we rarely agree to an era where we rarely disagree.” She praised FIIDS for strengthening this relationship and representing the Indian diaspora’s interests.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized the importance of Indian American political involvement, asserting, “If you don’t have a seat on the table, you’re on the menu,” and celebrated India’s global rise: “Not just Indians have arrived in America, but India has arrived on the world stage.” He urged the community to engage politically, stating, “It’s time to run for office… I don’t care if you’re a Republican, independent, or Democrat.”
Congressman Ro Khanna highlighted the progress of Indian American political engagement, noting, “It was not long ago that it was hard to get 5-6 Indian Americans to come to the Hill.” He encouraged the community to embrace their identity and confidently participate in the political process.
NSF Director Dr. Seturaman Panchanathan discussed the strategic collaborations between NSF and Indian institutions, emphasizing joint projects in areas like Arctic exploration and AI in agriculture.
Ambassador Atul Keshap highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans, who, despite being only 1.5% of the US population, contribute 6% of the tax revenue. He advocated for ambitious efforts to maximize the potential of bilateral trade: “Let’s be more ambitious… so much more can energize our relationship.”
Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick called for a flexible immigration policy, stating, “We need a flexible, expansionist immigration policy for legal immigrants who do the right things.” He introduced a bipartisan bill to eliminate the 7% cap on green cards and reduce the backlog, emphasizing, “In democracy, numbers matter, and as the Indian American community is now bigger than the Jewish community, I think you can impact the next presidential election.”
Congressman Dan Meuser expressed admiration for PM Modi’s joint session speech, noting its positive reception. He highlighted the economic impact of Indian industries in Pennsylvania, mentioning “nearly a billion dollars of employment from Indian-national businesses.”
USISPF CEO Dr. Mukesh Aghi underscored the multifaceted US-India relationship, emphasizing its geopolitical, economic, and domestic dimensions. He noted significant economic contributions, including $122 billion in intellectual power and 300,000 chip designers, and stressed the importance of political engagement for continued growth.
Jason Isaacson, Chief of Strategy at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), highlighted the promise of the I2U2 partnership, noting the increasing interest and excitement among innovators in all four countries. He appreciated the US, India, and the Indian diaspora for supporting Israel during challenging times in the Middle East.
Upon receiving thunderous applaud for introducing bill against hate crimes, Congressman Shri Thanedar expressed pride in FIIDS achievements leading the Indo-American community. He urged standing strong against hate and discrimination, reassuring that “You have a voice in the US Congress.”
In his speech, Congressman Scott Perry touched three major issues as, “We need to stand together, especially now. Especially with a rise in China. We have to be one. He said that Indian Americans are peaceful and resilient but they need to be vocal in surfacing any issues, bias and crimes they face. He also emphasized that issues of legal immigrants need to be solved, but overwhelming concerns around illegal immigration, making it difficult to solve.
Japan Embassy’s Minister Tomoaki Ishigaki highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Japan and India, emphasizing the importance of their relationship and its role in fostering prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region on key issues like climate change, supply chains, and disaster management, and highlighted the QUAD fellowship’s focus on STEM to cultivate the next generation.
Rep. Glenn Grothman expressed appreciation for Indian American values and encouraged greater participation. Rep. Gerry Connolly, Rep. Matt Cartwright, Rep. Andy Barr, and Rep. Brad Sherman sent messages of support despite being stuck in late congressional voting. Delegates met prominent officials, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Bill Foster, Rep. Pat Fallon, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Brittany Pettersen, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, Rep. Andy Biggs, Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Darin LaHood, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
FIIDS Policy Advocate Yogi Chugh shared that dozens of advocates were youths under 30. Dr. Bharat Barai said, “Advocacy is good for this generation, but the next generation will have to carry it forward. I am glad to known that most of our delegates are under 35”. Community leaders, including Dr. Bharat Barai, Suhag Shukla, and Utsav Chakravarty, praised FIIDS for its role in advocacy and raising awareness about key issues affecting the Indian diaspora. The event saw the participation of prominent individuals and community leaders, furthering the discussion on US-India relations. FIIDS also recognized the presence of Nissim Reuben (AJC), Dr. Suvas Desai (USISF), Yogi Chugh, Nirav Patel, Dr. Ajay Houde, Dr. Adappa Prasad, Nainan Desai, Madhukar Adi, Devesh Pandit, Kalpesh Joshi, Krystal Kaul, Aman, Purnima Shenoy (FICCI) and many other Indian American prominent people and community leaders attend the event.
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