The United States India Relationship Council (USIRC) recently engaged with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to advocate for stronger U.S.-India ties across various sectors.
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States India Relationship Council (USIRC), a bipartisan political advocacy group dedicated to enhancing U.S.-India relations, conducted a two-day advocacy visit to Washington, D.C., from August 30 to September 1. During this visit, USIRC representatives met with nine members of Congress to discuss a range of issues pertinent to the bilateral relationship.
Registered as a non-connected political committee under federal law, USIRC’s meetings focused on critical topics such as trade, defense, the Indo-Pacific region, the Quad alliance, and concerns regarding the Chinese Communist Party. The organization also addressed issues affecting the Indian American community, including those specific to Hindu Americans.
USIRC aims to garner support from lawmakers who serve or have the potential to serve on congressional foreign relations committees. The group is committed to promoting what it describes as pro-India policies within Congress and the executive branch.
In addition to advocacy, USIRC seeks to counter what it perceives as misleading narratives about U.S.-India relations by providing lawmakers and the public with information that reflects its perspective on the bilateral relationship.
The meetings commenced on August 31 with Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL). USIRC representatives Dr. Jashvant Patel and Dr. Amit Desai engaged with Jackson, who shared insights about his connection to the legacy of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting King’s admiration for Mahatma Gandhi. The group also met with Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), who reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening U.S.-India relations.
Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) discussed the potential for closer ties between the two nations, noting their similar constitutional foundations and advocating for a partnership that leads to enduring alliances.
On September 1, USIRC met with Representative Young Kim (R-CA), recognized as a longstanding supporter of U.S.-India relations and a collaborator on bilateral issues. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) emphasized the importance of political engagement, urging constituents to “Get involved, Stay involved.” The discussions also touched on issues relevant to Hindu Americans.
Representative Derek Tran (D-CA) expressed his dedication to fostering U.S.-India relations, while Representative Scott Peters (D-CA) voiced his support for the bilateral partnership.
Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) articulated strong support for U.S.-India relations, highlighting opportunities for cooperation and mutual growth across various sectors. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, discussed her work concerning South and Central Asia, stressing the importance of engaging with diaspora communities to strengthen bilateral ties.
Throughout the meetings, USIRC raised several pressing issues, including those related to the Indo-Pacific, China, terrorism, maritime security, supply-chain resilience, space cooperation, and technology. The discussions also included topics such as the Quad, the Artemis Accords, and the NISAR mission.
Additionally, USIRC addressed the participation of Indian and Hindu Americans in the U.S. political process and expressed concerns regarding anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment.
These advocacy efforts underscore USIRC’s commitment to fostering a robust and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and India, reflecting the growing importance of this partnership on the global stage, according to India West.