The Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP-USA) hosted its National Convention 2025 from June 13 to 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manassas, Virginia. The three-day event marked a significant milestone for the organization, gathering around 170 delegates from 22 chapters across the United States. During the convention, three new chapters were introduced, expanding OFBJP-USA’s network to 25 chapters nationwide.
The agenda of the convention focused on key areas such as advocacy, community outreach, social media strategies, countering biased media narratives, chapter-wise presentations, and open forums for discussion among participants. The event not only emphasized organizational growth but also served as a platform to deepen dialogue on the evolving India-US strategic relationship and the Indian diaspora’s contribution to that relationship.
Speaking to South Asian Herald, OFBJP-USA President Adapa Prasad underlined the significance of the event after a long hiatus. “The Convention was organized after a gap of eight years. It provided an opportunity to interact with volunteers in person, in addition to deliberate and brainstorm on fostering US-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Indian diaspora causes,” he stated.
The official inauguration on June 14 began with a solemn moment of silence honoring the victims of two recent tragedies—the Air India accident and the Pahalgam terror attack. This was followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. A special video message from BJP President JP Nadda was also screened for the attendees. Several key leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s New Delhi headquarters were present, including Vijay Chauthaiwale, who heads the BJP’s Foreign Affairs Department, and senior members Ashwin Johar and Nakul Bhardwaj.
Vijay Chauthaiwale, during his address, emphasized the core identity of OFBJP-USA. He told South Asian Herald, “OFBJP-USA is a community organization of supporters and well-wishers of BJP. We are a strong proponent of robust bilateral relations between India and US at all levels. And these volunteers will do whatever is required to dispel the doubts about India and foster strong relationship between the two countries.”
Chauthaiwale elaborated on the central theme of the convention, highlighting its objective of planning future strategies to promote a favorable image of India, the BJP, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while simultaneously enhancing the India-US partnership. He drew attention to the crucial role played by Indian Americans in this diplomatic and cultural bridge-building. “They are very prosperous, well-educated, and well respected among the American communities. Therefore, we consider the diaspora as our big asset. Prime Minister Modi actually calls Indian diaspora as India’s informal Ambassadors. We want to foster better relations between India and US by leveraging the strength of the diaspora,” he explained.
Ashwin Johar also emphasized the mutual benefits of such conventions for communities in both India and the United States. “Conventions like these serve the community both in India and the US,” he told South Asian Herald. Johar highlighted the dual mission of OFBJP-USA as not just a link between political ideologies, but also as a catalyst for community solidarity and diplomatic understanding.
Johar further elaborated on the organization’s proactive role in political advocacy and representation. He noted that OFBJP-USA remains dedicated to creating understanding and building bridges between lawmakers, policymakers, and the Indian American population. “We do this by presenting an accurate perspective of the BJP’s mission and values,” he said.
Dr. Bharat Barai, a well-known Indian American physician and community leader, lauded the convention for offering BJP volunteers a chance to exchange ideas and intensify their outreach efforts. He remarked, “BJP has done phenomenal work for the benefit of the people of India. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has made tremendous progress – it has become the fourth-largest economy and advanced across multiple sectors.”
He went on to say, “BJP is a nationalist party which stands for the benefit of all people. The logo that is used ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ [with all, development for all, with everyone’s trust, and with everyone’s effort] is a testament to that.” Dr. Barai emphasized the party’s inclusive philosophy, stating, “So, it’s a party of the people, and we in the US are trying to inform that message to our colleagues, our friends, our family members, and fellow Americans.”
Commenting on recent developments in diplomatic outreach, Dr. Barai also expressed support for the Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation’s visit to the United States. “I think they did a good job, and it was a good idea to include members of opposition parties,” he said, referring to the bipartisan nature of the delegation.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a Padma Shri awardee and a veteran in the Indian American community, shared reflections on the organization’s history. Speaking to South Asian Herald, he said, “I have been affiliated with the OFBJP-USA since its inception. During late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s visits to the United Nations in New York, I, along with founders Dr. Mukund Modi, Mahesh Mehta, and others, organized community receptions to galvanize local support for BJP.”
Dr. Parikh acknowledged the evolving influence of the Indian diaspora over the years. “I think they have actually a big role to play in US-India relations,” he observed, reinforcing the sentiment that diaspora advocacy has grown to become a cornerstone of international diplomacy between the two democracies.
As the convention concluded, it was clear that OFBJP-USA is aiming for more than symbolic engagement. The event not only marked the revival of national-level gatherings after nearly a decade but also set the tone for a renewed and expanded mission to represent Indian values, enhance the global perception of India under BJP leadership, and solidify the strategic India-US partnership through community-driven diplomacy.
By empowering chapters across America and emphasizing volunteerism, consensus-building, and narrative correction, OFBJP-USA seeks to elevate its standing as a cultural and political bridge between two of the world’s largest democracies. The addition of three new chapters and the participation of high-level BJP leadership underscores the momentum the organization is building toward a broader, deeper, and more effective outreach model within the Indian diaspora and beyond.