Dr. Rahul Gupta, the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), has praised Indian Americans for embodying the essence of opportunities available in the United States and serving as an inspiration for others. In a conversation with New India Abroad, Gupta referred to Indian Americans as a “model population” due to their exceptional contributions to American society.
Indian Americans, while accounting for only one percent of the U.S. population, make an outsized impact on the country’s growth, Gupta pointed out. “They contribute six percent of the taxes, excel in education, professional careers, and public service,” he stated, emphasizing the community’s industrious nature. He added, “The industriousness of the Indian American people is very much proof of the success that they see. I think it’s a model population and it needs to maintain that model population status. It’s very important.”
As the first Indian American to lead the ONDCP, Gupta expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of his community. He acknowledged the record-breaking representation of Indian Americans in the Biden administration, with over 150 individuals occupying significant roles. “Every administration will find itself appointing an increasing number of Indian Americans,” Gupta noted. “And it’s not because they’re Indian Americans. It’s also because they’re some of the most competent, hardest-working, and most educated people that you see on the planet, not only in the United States.”
Journey from India to the White House
Reflecting on his journey from Uttar Pradesh, India, to a pivotal role in the White House, Gupta highlighted the cultural values that drive Indian Americans to strive for excellence and leadership. He encouraged future generations to continue this legacy.
On his experience working at the White House, Gupta remarked, “It has been a privilege not only to serve in the White House, answer to the President of the United States, but also been able to make a significant contribution as the first physician and the first immigrant to hold this position.” He further emphasized the importance of immigrants in shaping the nation, saying, “It’s been important to demonstrate and highlight the role that immigrants like myself play in furthering the country, saving more lives, and making sure that we’re leaving the office as well as the White House better than we found it.”
Combatting the Opioid Crisis
Beyond celebrating Indian American achievements, Gupta discussed his work addressing the opioid epidemic, one of the most pressing challenges facing the United States. The crisis has claimed countless lives annually, but Gupta shared the progress made under the Biden administration.
He outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat the crisis, focusing on expanding treatment options, investing in prevention programs, and strengthening partnerships with state and local governments. These efforts have yielded notable results. “What we have today is not only a 17 percent decline in overall overdose deaths as of the mid of 2024 data, but a 22 percent decline in fentanyl overdose deaths,” Gupta stated. “So if you think about it, that’s over 50 percent turnaround in just a matter of a few years. Why that’s happened is we focus on putting over $167 billion into United States communities, states and others.”
Gupta also stressed the significance of fostering international partnerships, particularly with India, to tackle the global drug crisis.
Strengthening U.S.-India Relations
Speaking on the broader relationship between the United States and India, Gupta underlined the growing partnership between the world’s two largest democracies. He believes this cooperation has reached an irreversible point and is critical for addressing global issues.
“I think it’s important for the world—the safety, security, and health of the world—that these two nations, two great nations, maintain and accelerate their partnership, their cooperation in all areas,” Gupta said. “Because when we have a United States and an India that are looking forward together to solve the world’s problems, it is the only way we’re going to be able to solve the world’s problem because this is really where East meets the West.”
Gupta highlighted the unique position of Indian Americans in bridging the cultural and strategic gap between the two nations.
Encouraging Leadership Among Indian Americans
Gupta expressed optimism about the future of Indian Americans in the U.S., noting their increasing representation in leadership positions across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, politics, and education. This progress, he said, serves as motivation for young Indian Americans to take up leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to society.
“As Indian Americans, we bring a sense of culture, a sense of wanting to do excellence, and making sure that we make this country great,” he stated. Gupta viewed the increasing visibility of Indian Americans in key roles as a testament to their dedication and a source of inspiration for future generations.
He concluded by encouraging young Indian Americans to embrace the legacy of excellence set by their predecessors. “It’s important that the Indian Americans find this number of people that have been working in the last four years, an increasing number in the years to come, as a mark of excellence and dedication, but also feel that they can also do that,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Gupta’s reflections provide a glimpse into the resilience and potential of Indian Americans in shaping the future of the U.S. Through their cultural values, hard work, and commitment to excellence, they have emerged as a “model population” that exemplifies the opportunities available in America while inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. At the same time, Gupta’s work on pressing issues like the opioid crisis and his efforts to bolster U.S.-India relations showcase the far-reaching impact of Indian Americans on the nation’s progress and global leadership.
