Biden's Honour to Modi Expected to Enhance Indian Diaspora's Importance
NEW DELHI: The Indian-American community is gaining prominence in US politics, with the Joe Biden administration honoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a State Visit, highlighting their growing importance. Indian Americans are the fastest-growing segment of the Asian American electorate and are highly politically active. With over 4.1 million people of Indian heritage in the US, they form the second-largest immigrant group after Mexican Americans.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will address a gathering of 1,000 American Indians in Washington DC, discussing the role of the diaspora in the growth of India and the US. Despite a tight schedule, he made time for this event, demonstrating his appreciation for the Indian-American community. Community leaders from various groups such as Sikhs, Dawoodi Bohras, Maharashtra manuals, Gujarati samaj, doctors' associations, motel owners' associations, and Telugu and Tamil groups will be in attendance.
The cancellation of a planned visit to Chicago due to time constraints highlights the community's influence, as they are a significant presence in critical "battleground states" like Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Arizona, and Wisconsin. Their votes can sway elections, and while Indian Americans have predominantly supported Democrats, there has been increasing support for Republicans.
The current Biden administration includes over 130 Indian Americans in senior roles, with some holding high-ranking positions never before occupied by immigrants. The swearing-in of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Tamil Nadu roots, was a milestone for the community. Additionally, Ajay Banga has become the President of the World Bank, and Ashish Jha coordinates the White House's Covid-19 efforts, showcasing Indian-Americans' achievements.
The Indian-American community's representation in US politics has grown, with notable individuals like Bobby Jindal running for president and representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Raja Krishnamoorthi being elected to the House. Nikki Haley, former governor and UN ambassador, announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, while Vivek Ramaswamy, a conservative entrepreneur, also joined the race.
The battle for Indian-American votes between Democrats and Republicans reflects the community's growing electoral importance. Furthermore, their high earnings and education levels make them attractive donors for political campaigns. Indian Americans excel in fields like IT, medicine, and academia, and their economic strength makes them the wealthiest ethnic group in the US.
The Indian-American community's influence extends beyond US politics, as it provides valuable support for the Narendra Modi government in India. Even opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi actively engage with the community to garner support for their political parties. Overall, the Indian-American community's rise in prominence underscores its growing political, economic, and cultural impact in the United States.
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