US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti recently emphasized the immense contributions of the Indian diaspora to American society, describing them as integral to the nation’s cultural, economic, and leadership fabric. Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Indian Diaspora – Defining Success in the United States,” held at the American Center in New Delhi, Garcetti praised the diaspora’s pivotal role in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Highlighting their achievements, Garcetti stated, “Indian Americans are an indispensable part of the American story.” The panel also featured Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and author Meenakshi Ahamed, whose book Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of Indians in America was a key topic of discussion.
Garcetti noted that Indian Americans have profoundly impacted the United States, adding, “Indian Americans have a capital A on the American part.” He described them as key agents of progress who have “embodied, accelerated, and amplified the American dream.” He lauded their role as “translators, interpreters, and openers” of a metaphorical bridge connecting India and the United States.
Using a striking analogy, Garcetti likened the diaspora’s contributions to a “steel-reinforced bridge” linking India to the U.S. However, he described American understanding of India as a “rope bridge with missing planks,” highlighting a knowledge gap. “Most Americans know very little about India beyond clichés,” he admitted, noting that Indian Americans are working to bridge this divide by fostering a deeper bilateral relationship.
Indian Americans have become a cornerstone of the U.S. economy and society over the past four decades. Garcetti shared striking statistics to underscore this, stating, “About 1.5 percent of our population is of Indian descent, yet they contribute about 6 percent of our income tax.” He also pointed out their substantial role in healthcare, noting, “One in four Americans has been treated by an Indian doctor, many of whom served in rural areas when healthcare access was scarce.”
The diaspora has also reshaped perceptions of leadership in the United States. Garcetti observed, “The old cliché that you couldn’t succeed in American business if you were Indian American has been flipped. Now, it feels as though you can only succeed in America if you are Indian American.” This shift is evident in the growing number of Indian-origin CEOs, policymakers, and elected officials who have made their mark in various fields.
Describing the diaspora as a “secret weapon” in strengthening U.S.-India ties, Garcetti highlighted the contributions of Indian American leaders in federal government, business, and education. “When we have the Surgeon General giving talks here, business leaders exploring partnerships, or our own mission staff with Indian roots, it puts us ahead of the game,” he remarked.
Indian Americans also play a vital role in policy and diplomacy, offering valuable insights into the complexities of India. “They act as navigators during tougher times, showing how resilient this relationship is,” Garcetti noted.
On immigration, Garcetti encouraged young Indians to pursue educational opportunities in the United States. “We’re seeing a record number of Indian students—over 333,000 visa applications adjudicated last year, more than double any other country,” he revealed. He emphasized the importance of equitable access to the American dream, advocating for the inclusion of students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
“I hope that opportunities open up for Indians from minority groups and less privileged regions. America has always been a place for opportunity immigrants, not just the elite,” he said, outlining his vision for inclusive immigration policies.
Ending on an optimistic note, Garcetti called Indian Americans a driving force behind the “ping-pong effect” of progress between the U.S. and India. “If you took Indian Americans out of the American story today, it would look incomplete—culturally, economically, and innovatively,” he concluded.
Milan Vaishnav on the Indian Diaspora
Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, shed light on the rapid growth and influence of the Indian diaspora in the United States. “According to the latest US census data (2023), there are about 5.2 million people of Indian origin, making up 1.5 percent of the total population,” he noted. Of this group, approximately 2.6 million are eligible voters. Interestingly, half the diaspora population resides in four states: California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York.
Vaishnav highlighted the community’s exponential growth, stating, “From 2010 to 2020, the community grew by 50 percent, becoming the second largest immigrant group after Mexican Americans.” He attributed this surge to the IT boom post-2000, which transformed the diaspora’s linguistic and cultural makeup, with Tamil and Telugu speakers becoming more prominent.
Discussing socio-economic metrics, Vaishnav shared, “The median household income for Indian Americans is $153,000—double the national average. Educational attainment is also high, with 76 percent of Indian Americans holding a college degree, compared to 36 percent nationwide.” These figures underscore the community’s extraordinary success and its contribution to the U.S. economy and society.
Vaishnav also noted the diaspora’s significant role in shaping U.S.-India relations through technology, venture capital, and political influence. He cited their advocacy during India’s COVID-19 crisis as an example, stating, “Indian Americans picked up the phone, called the White House, and expedited action.” Their active participation as campaign donors and highly engaged voters—boasting a remarkable 96 percent voter turnout—further establishes them as a political force sought after by both major parties.
The discussion underscored the remarkable achievements of the Indian diaspora and their critical role in bridging the U.S. and India. From healthcare and education to diplomacy and politics, Indian Americans continue to redefine success in the United States, embodying the ideals of the American dream while strengthening bilateral ties.