The Indian Panorama

Tag: Ro Khanna

  • Suozzi Leads Bipartisan Letter Uniting India and Pakistan Caucuses on South Asian Flood Relief Efforts

    Suozzi Leads Bipartisan Letter Uniting India and Pakistan Caucuses on South Asian Flood Relief Efforts

    The bipartisan letter asks the Secretary of State Rubio for a Member’s Briefing on the ongoing recovery efforts in India and Pakistan following last month’s devastating floods

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In a rare and powerful show of bipartisan unity, Chair of the Pakistan Caucus and active member of the India Caucus, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D–NY), and his co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Pakistan Caucus Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), as well as the bipartisan Chairs of the India Caucus, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. McCormick (R-GA) joined in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The letter requested a briefing on the U.S. response to catastrophic floods that recently devastated communities across both India and Pakistan.
    This bipartisan letter highlights the devastating toll of the flooding and the personal impact it has had on South Asian American communities across the United States.
    “In the aftermath of last month’s horrific floods, I stand with my Indian and Pakistani constituents and admire their resilience in the face of such hardship,” said Congressman Suozzi. “In my capacity as Chair of the Pakistan Caucus, and as an active member of the India Caucus, I am proud to join my Co-Chair, Rep. Jack Bergman, along with the India Caucus Chairs, in sending a joint letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Natural disasters do not recognize borders. This bilateral and bipartisan collaboration shows that, in the face of tragedy, we must stand united in our common purpose to support our communities.”
    The letter, sent September 23, requests a briefing for Members of Congress on the status of U.S. assistance and recovery coordination. It notes the destruction of homes, businesses, and cultural and religious landmarks, including the Kartarpur Sahib, a powerful symbol of peace between India and Pakistan.
    “As Members of Congress who represent large Indian and Pakistani American populations, we are hearing firsthand from families whose ancestral homes have been lost, whose livelihoods have been wiped out,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are thankful for the immense help provided by the United States government as well as the Indian and Pakistani diasporas.”
    Suozzi emphasized that “working across party lines and across borders isn’t just possible, it’s essential. Our communities deserve that kind of leadership.”

  • Six Indian Americans win elections of US House of Representatives

    Six Indian Americans win elections of US House of Representatives

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Six Indian Americans have won the elections to the House of Representatives, increasing their number from five in the current Congress. Indian American lawyer Suhas Subramanyam created history by becoming the first from the community to be elected from Virginia and the entire East Coast.
    Subramanyan defeated Mike Clancy of the Republican Party. He is currently a Virginia State Senator.
    There is a possibility that the number of Indian Americans in the House of Representatives could increase to seven as Dr Amish Shah was leading by a slender margin against his Republican incumbent in the first Congressional District of Arizona.
    “I am honored and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honor to continue serving this district in Washington,” Subramanyam said.
    Subramanyam, who previously served as a White House Advisor to President Barack Obama, is a Hindu by faith and is popular among Indian Americans nationwide. He joins the ‘Samosa Caucus’ in the Congress that currently comprises five Indian Americans – Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Shri Thanedar.
    All the five existing Indian American members were re-elected to the House of Representatives.
    Shri Thanedar was re-elected for the second consecutive term from the 13th Congressional District of Michigan. He won it for the first time in 2023.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi won the seventh Congressional District of Illinois for the fifth consecutive term.
    While the battles for control of the White House and Congress remain close, I am honored that the people of Illinois’ 8th District have extended my contract to represent them in Congress,” Krishnamoorthi said.
    “My parents came to this country with little more than a dream for their family’s future and the faith that they could achieve it here in America,” Krishnamoorthi concluded.
    “Despite some hard times, we did.”
    “My mission in Congress is to fight for all the other families that are pursuing their dreams, no matter where they come from, how they worship, or the number of letters in their names… there are 29 in mine.”
    So did Ro Khanna who represents the seventeenth Congressional District of California and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who represents the seventh Congressional District of Washington State.
    A physician by profession, Dr Ami Bera is the senior-most Indian American Congressman representing the sixth Congressional District of California since 2013. He was re-elected for the seventh consecutive term.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Over 36 Indian Americans running for state legislatures, local bodies

    Over 36 Indian Americans running for state legislatures, local bodies

    With close to 900,000 Indian Americans residents, California boasts the largest Indian American population in the entire country

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Over three dozen Indian Americans are running for local bodies and state legislatures across the country reflecting the growing interest among this small ethnic community to be part of political mainstream. “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu,” Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi comments at various Indian American gatherings motivating and encouraging community members to run for elections at all levels. Probably the largest number of Indian Americans running for local offices are in the state of California, which sends two members to the House of Representatives – Ro Khanna and Dr Ami Bera – in addition to Vice President Kamala Harris whose mother was from India.
    Those include Adlah Chisti who is running for County Supervisor for District 11, Aliya Chisti for City College Board San Francisco, Darshana Patel for State Assembly, Nicole Fernandez for San Mateo City Council, Nithya Raman for Los Angeles City Council, Richa Awasthi for Foster City Council and Sukhdeep Kaur for Emeryville City Council.

    Tara Sreekrishnan is seeking to enter California’s State Assembly from District 26 in Silicon Valley. With close to 900,000 Indian Americans residents, California boasts the largest Indian American population in the entire country.

    Dr Ajay Raman is running for Oakland County Commissioner for District 14; while Anil Kumar and Ranjeev Puri are running for the Michigan State House.

    Indian Americans are a crucial part of Arizona’s growth and diversity. Priya Sundareshan is running for the State Senate in Arizona and Ravi Shah is running for School Board. In Pennsylvania, Anand Patek, Anna Thomas, and Arvind Venkat are running for State House, while Nikil Saval is seeking to enter the State Senate.

    In Illinois, Anusha Thotakura is running for school board and Nabeel Syed for State House.

    If elected Ashwin Ramaswamy would be the youngest ever elected to the Georgia State Senate. Of late he has been subject to racial and hate attacks by his opponents. In Ohio, Chantel Raghu is running for County Commissioner and Pavan Parikh for County Clerk of Courts, while in Virginia Danny Avula is running for Mayor of Richmond.

    In New York, Jeremy Cooney and Manita Sanghvi are running for State Senate while Zohran Mamdani is seeking to enter the State Assembly. Indian Americans running for local offices in Texas are Ashika Ganguly for City Council, Karthik Soora (State Senate), Nabil Shike (County Constable), Ramesh Premkumar (City Council), Ravi Sandill (Judge), Salman Bhojani (State House), Shekhar Sinha (State House), Sherine Thomas (Judge), Suleman Lalani (State House) and Sumbel Zeb as County Appraisals Court. Manka Dhingra is running for Attorney General of Washington State while Mona Das is running for Commissioner of Public Lands.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Three Indian American Congressmen urges to end to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh

    Three Indian American Congressmen urges to end to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Three prominent Indian American Congressmen—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, and Ro Khanna—have called for an immediate end to the escalating violence in Bangladesh, particularly the targeting of the Hindu minority. In a statement released earlier this week, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed deep concern over the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh. “As Bangladesh prepares to swear in its interim government, I urge all government officials, the new administration and police chief, and the people of Bangladesh to do all they can to end the violence that has emerged across the country, including the brutal targeting of the country’s Hindu minority, their homes, businesses, and their temples,” Krishnamoorthi said. He further emphasized the need for accountability, urging that “those responsible must be brought to justice to help the people of Bangladesh move forward as a nation.” Krishnamoorthi assured his constituents that he would continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the U.S. State Department.
    Congressman Shri Thanedar also condemned the violence, describing it as a “horrific” threat to Bangladesh’s democracy. In his statement, Thanedar highlighted the recent civil unrest, which began with student-led protests and has since spiraled into widespread violence, leading to the deaths of hundreds and the persecution of minority populations, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. “I am especially concerned about reports of attacks targeting the country’s Hindu minority. Accounts of temples destroyed, homes leveled, and individuals targeted are as disturbing as they are reprehensible,” he said. Thanedar called on all Bangladeshis, from leadership to the general populace, to work towards ending the violence and restoring peace.
    Thanedar also noted the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 6th and her subsequent flight to India, leaving Bangladesh in disarray and under military control. He urged the new interim government to prioritize peace and stability, pledging to remain vigilant in coordination with the U.S. State Department.
    Congressman Ro Khanna echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the legitimacy of student-led protests against the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government but condemning the subsequent violence. “Bangladeshi students had just human rights concerns against PM Hasina. It’s good she is gone. But the violence now targeting Hindus is wrong,” Khanna stated. He called on the newly appointed Prime Minister Yunus to uphold the rule of law and protect all citizens, regardless of their political or religious affiliations.

  • 12 years since Wisconsin gurdwara shooting in Oak Creek, ‘the lessons learnt since then’

    12 years since Wisconsin gurdwara shooting in Oak Creek, ‘the lessons learnt since then’

    US lawmakers pay tributes to Sikh victims on 12th anniversary of massacre

    NEW YORK (TIP): US lawmakers paid tributes to the members of the Sikh community who were killed in a massacre at a Milwaukee gurdwara 12 years ago, underscoring the need to reject bigotry and recommit to fighting hate and racism, as well as ending the gun violence epidemic in America. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited the Oak Creek Sikh Temple in the Wisconsin city on the 12th anniversary of the “deadliest massacre of Sikhs on US soil” when a white supremacist claimed the lives of seven members of the Sikh community, according to a statement issued here Monday by the US Mission to the United Nations Spokesperson Nate Evans. “The Ambassador joined the victims’ families, community members, and temple leaders to honor those lives lost and lead a conversation on their ongoing efforts to combat hate against marginalized communities,” the statement said.

    Thomas-Greenfield “heard firsthand accounts of the impact of hate crimes, reiterated the ongoing efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration and across the UN to promote religious freedom, and commended the families of the victims, whose remarkable resilience allowed the tragedy to become a point of necessary reform”.

    On August 5, 2012, Wade Michael Page (40) entered the gurdwara in Oak Creek and opened fire, as members of the congregation had gathered to prepare for Sunday service.

    The victims of the massacre were Suveg Singh Khattra (84), Satwant Singh Kaleka (65), Ranjit Singh (49), Sita Singh (41), Paramjit Kaur (41), Prakash Singh (39) and Baba Punjab Singh (72).

    Baba Punjab Singh had remained almost fully paralyzed after being shot during the attack and passed away in March 2020 from complications related to his injuries.

    Members of The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released statements in observance of the anniversary. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois said that Sikh Americans were killed and others injured after the white supremacist, driven by hate and bigotry, opened fire at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin.

    “Today, as we remember the lives lost and impacted by this senseless act of violence, we must recommit ourselves to fighting hate, racism, and prejudice in all its forms, as well as ending the gun violence epidemic in America,” he said.

    Krishnamoorthi said that all Americans should be able to worship and practice their faiths without fear, and “it falls on all of us to make the United States a better and more tolerant country for people of all faiths and backgrounds”.

    Representative Ro Khanna of California said that the Sikh community was devastated by a senseless act of hate, bigotry and violence. “As my CAPAC colleagues and I remember and grieve the six innocent lives lost, we are more committed than ever to pushing for transformative gun legislation. It is our duty as a nation to work together to remove weapons of war and ensure everyone is safe to worship without fear,” he said.

    Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan said that on the anniversary of this tragic event, “we reaffirm that violence against any group is never acceptable. As the Chair of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain American Congressional Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that Sikhs and all other religious groups can practice their religion freely without fearing for their safety.” Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington stressed the need to “recommit to fighting the scourge of bigotry and racism that we see directed at the AAPI community. On this difficult day, I send my prayers and strength to the Oak Creek community and Sikh communities across the country and stand with them in the battle against both hate and gun violence”.

    CAPAC Chair Representative Judy Chu of California said the “horrific act of hate and gun violence” in the place of worship should not happen anywhere.

    “Sikh Americans, and all Americans, deserve to live, learn, worship, and play with a sense of safety. White supremacy, hate, and xenophobia rip apart the fabric of equality and unity that binds our nation, and we must reject any bigotry that puts more lives at risk,” Chu said.

    CAPAC First Vice Chair Representative Grace Meng of New York said, “We must remain committed to standing up against bigotry and racism in all its forms. In the United States diversity is our strength.

    CAPAC Chair Representative Judy Chu of California said the “horrific act of hate and gun violence” in the place of worship should not happen anywhere.

    “Sikh Americans, and all Americans, deserve to live, learn, worship, and play with a sense of safety. White supremacy, hate, and xenophobia rip apart the fabric of equality and unity that binds our nation, and we must reject any bigotry that puts more lives at risk,” Chu said.

    CAPAC First Vice Chair Representative Grace Meng of New York said, “We must remain committed to standing up against bigotry and racism in all its forms. In the United States diversity is our strength.

    “There is no place for the mass violence and religious intolerance that took place in Oak Creek. As a nation we must remain committed to creating a more tolerant and accepting society where everyone can freely and safely worship without the fear of violence and persecution.”

    CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu of California said white supremacy and xenophobia have no place in America. “Together, we must ensure that all individuals, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity, can live without fear for their safety.” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers proclaimed August 5 2024 as ’12th Anniversary of the Oak Creek Sikh Temple Shooting’ throughout the state. It said that the “anniversary remains a painful reminder of the work that still must be done to protect all communities in the United States against the rising threat of targeted, hate-fueled violence, it is also a shining example of resilience in the face of tragedy, and a continued, shared hope that a better tomorrow can exist for all.”

  • Congressional Black Caucus lineup to oust Indian-American Congressman Thanedar

    Congressional Black Caucus lineup to oust Indian-American Congressman Thanedar

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In one of the rarest instances, the Congressional Black Caucus has lined up to oust one of the sitting lawmakers, Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar, who is seeking his re-election from the 13th Congressional District of Michigan.

    Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford and his immediate predecessor Joyce Beatty in a significant political move announced to endorse Adam Hollier over Thanedar in the Democratic primary.

    In the American political tradition, a sitting lawmaker is rarely opposed by their party leadership in the primary.

    The 13th Congressional District of Michigan has a black majority, and this was the first time that it did not have a black representing them in the House of Representatives.

    “From the U.S. Army to Governor Whitmer’s cabinet, Adam Hollier has spent his life serving his community and his country. I know he will continue that service as an effective representative and put people over politics. Adam is the kind of leader who understands the importance of protecting our freedoms, fighting for our rights, and ensuring opportunities for everyone,” Horsford said in a statement.

    Hollier “is exactly the kind of leader we need standing with us in Congress,” said Beatty. “While some politicians would rather tweet than show up, Adam always steps up, shows up, and delivers results,” she said.

    US media described it as an unusual development.

    Thanedar is the first Indian American to represent Michigan in Congress. He defeated his Republican opponent by 47 percentage points in 2022 and in the process, he broke a 67-year streak of a Black Michigander representing Detroit.

    In the first quarter, he raised USD5 million and garnered over 15 endorsements from influential elected officials and organizations. He has received endorsements from lawmakers Ami Bera, Judy Chu, Robert Garcia, Marcy Kaptur, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ted Lieu, Seth Magaziner, Brad Sherman, and Dina Titus. Human Rights Campaign, Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA), National Education Association, Michigan Education Association, and Newtown Action Alliance have also endorsed him.

    “Together, we will continue to fight for progress, equality, and opportunity for all residents of Michigan’s 13th,” he said in an earlier statement early this month. Thanedar said he remains committed to engaging with voters, listening to their concerns, and advocating for policies addressing the challenges of the community.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian-American incumbents Ami Bera and Ro Khanna secured their seats.

    Indian-American incumbents Ami Bera and Ro Khanna secured their seats.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Ami Bera, a Democrat, secured his seventh term by advancing to the general election Ro Khanna, seeking his fifth term, won decisively against Republican Anita Chen Ash Kalra, a Democrat, emerged as the top candidate in the 25th Assembly District. It was a day of victories and defeats for Indian American candidates in the recent Super Tuesday primaries. The biggest day of this year’s primary campaign in the US approached as 15 states — plus American Samoa — voted in contests. Veteran Indian-American Congressmen Ami Bera and Ro Khanna successfully defended their positions against challengers.

    Ami Bera, a Democrat, secured his seventh term by advancing to the general election with 53.6% of the vote in California’s 6th Congressional District.
    Meanwhile, Ro Khanna, seeking his fifth term, won decisively over Republican Anita Chen in the 17th Congressional District, according to American Bazaar.

    In contrast, Indian-American engineer Rishi Kumar, a Democrat, lost his bid to run for Congress.

    With 50% of the vote counted, former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo was ahead with 22% of the vote, while Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian had nearly 18%. Both Liccardo and Simitian are Democrats. Kumar ended up in seventh place out of 11 candidates with 6.3% of the vote.

    This came amid Indian-American Republican challenger to former president Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, dropping out of the presidential race.

    Indian-American Republican Vin Kruttiventi advanced to the general election in Northern California’s 14th Congressional District, home to one of the largest populations of Indian-Americans in the nation, securing second place with 17.8% of the vote to incumbent Eric Swalwell with 64.5%, seeking his sixth term in the House of Representatives.

    According to reports from the Federal Election Commission, Kruttiventi, the founder and CEO of A5 Services, has invested $500,000 of his personal funds into his campaign.

    However, clinical psychologist Harmesh Kumar’s longshot bid for the vacant US Senate seat left by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein ended in disappointment.

    Additionally, Ash Kalra, a Democrat, emerged as the top candidate in the 25th Assembly District and will face fellow Democrat Lan Ngo in the general election.

    However, challenger Tara Sreekrishnan, a 30-year-old Indian-origin leader who has garnered significant endorsements for her bid, faced defeat in her race for California’s 26th district state Assembly seat.

    In other races, Democrat Darshana Patel will compete against Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane for California’s 76th district state Assembly seat, which covers a portion of San Diego.

    The most prominent of all the Indian-American candidates was Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina. She conceded to Donald Trump after losing every state but one — Vermont — in Super Tuesday’s primary contests.

    In January, Indian-American billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy suspended his bid after Trump won the Iowa caucus. He later pledged support for Trump’s presidential bid.

    —

  • US lawmakers strongly condemn vandalism of Hindu temple in California

    US lawmakers strongly condemn vandalism of Hindu temple in California

    SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Several US lawmakers, including three prominent Indian-American Congressmen, have strongly condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple in California and asserted that those responsible for the act must be held accountable. The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Newark, California was vandalized with anti-India graffiti and the police are investigating the matter as a possible hate crime.
    Congressman Ro Khanna, who represents California’s 17th Congressional District located in Silicon Valley, said in a post on X that he strongly condemns the “defacing” of the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California which is in his district.
    “Freedom to worship is at the heart of American democracy. Those who committed this act of vandalism must be held accountable,” Khanna said.
    He said he is heartened that the community is coming together to stand up against hate and remove the graffiti. “This community action is answering wickedness with goodness,” he said.
    Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi termed the defacing of the Swaminarayan temple as “despicable” and said he strongly condemns it.
    Krishnamoorthi, the US representative for Illinois’s 8th congressional district, said he is glad the community is rallying in support of the mandir.
    “We must stand united against bigotry in all its ugly forms. Those who did this vandalism must be held accountable,” he said.
    Congressman Shri Thanedar also expressed his profound condemnation of the “disgraceful act of vandalism”.
    “This desecration, marked by anti-India graffiti, strikes at the very essence of our diverse and inclusive society. I denounce such attacks of intolerance and call for a thorough investigation into this heinous crime,” Thanedar, the US representative from Michigan’s 13th congressional district, said. “Religious freedom and communal harmony are fundamental tenets of our nation, and I urge swift action by law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice, ensuring the safety and sanctity of all places of worship,” he added.
    Congresswoman Barbara Lee from California “unequivocally” condemned the attack. “Hatred in all forms cannot be tolerated. Those responsible must be held accountable,” she said.
    State Senator in the Ohio Senate Niraj Antani, elected to the Ohio Senate at age 29 and the youngest currently serving member of the Senate, said that as the first Hindu-American State Senator in Ohio history, he condemns in the “strongest terms” the vandalization of the Hindu Mandir.
    “The perpetrators must be caught and punished to the full extent of the law. We must root out and vanquish Hinduphobia everywhere it is,” Antani said.
    The US State Department on Saturday also condemned the vandalism at the temple and welcomed efforts by the police to ensure those responsible are held accountable. “We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a post on X Saturday. The City of Newark Police Department in Newark, Newark, California had told PTI in an emailed statement that on Friday at approximately 8:35 am, Newark Police received a report of graffiti at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple.
    Officers responded and met with temple leaders who described the vandalism as meant to intimidate them.
    “Based on the content of the graffiti it is believed that the defacement was a targeted act, and the vandalism is being investigated as a possible hate crime,” the statement said.
    The Consulate General of India in San Francisco strongly condemned the defacing of the temple.
    “We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti,” the Consulate posted on X.
    “This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter,” the Consulate said. According to images posted on social media, the word ‘Khalistan’ was spray-painted on a signpost outside the temple along with other objectionable graffiti.
    Newark police further said that any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given very high priority.
    “Officers are investigating, collecting evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses to establish the chain of events and bring those responsible to justice,” the police said.
    The department said that “we stand united with our community and are urging community members with any information regarding this incident to come forward and speak with investigators.”
    The police are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Newark Police Investigations Unit.

  • India must address US concerns on murder plot against Gurpatwant Pannun, say 5 Indian-American US Lawmakers

    India must address US concerns on murder plot against Gurpatwant Pannun, say 5 Indian-American US Lawmakers

    White House gives classified briefing on alleged murder plot

    • I.S. Saluja

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian-American lawmakers have expressed deep concern over an Indian being charged with an alleged plot to kill Khalistani Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American-Canadian citizen.

    If the issue is not addressed appropriately, it could cause significant damage to the US-India partnership, they warned after a classified briefing by the Biden administration on Nikhil Gupta’s indictment.

    Gupta was detained at the Prague airport in June in an action that came at the request of the US, the Czech government spokesman said on Friday, December 15. The US had submitted an extradition request two months later, they said. Friday’s classified briefings were attended by US Representatives Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar.

    “We believe the US-India partnership has made meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership,” they said in a statement.

    The US Congress members said the charges were deeply concerning and the safety of their constituents are their most important priority. They welcomed India’s move to form an enquiry committee but said it should assure the US that such incidents will not happen again.

    “We welcome the Government of India’s announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot and it is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again,” they said.

    Gupta, 52, moved the Supreme Court on Friday, December 15, via a family member and claimed multiple violations of fundamental rights, including threats to himself and his family, and requested the Indian government to intervene in his extradition to the US. The hearing has been adjourned till January 4.

    He claimed he was intercepted by “American agents” on his arrival in Prague, then bundled into a black SUV and interrogated for three hours while being driven around the foreign city. He claimed he was “forced” to eat only pork and beef during his first few days in the prison.

    Nikhil Gupta has been charged by US federal prosecutors with working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, a designated terrorist in India.

    In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged the role of Indian agents in the June murder of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. India had rejected the allegations as “motivated”. However, the murder plot of another Khalistani, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, and US administration’s tough stand on the issue, has lent credence to the claims of Canadian Prime Minister that Indian agents were responsible for Nijjar’s murder. More and more people as also governments across the world do not seem to buy India government’s denials of involvement.
    (With inputs from agencies)

  • Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna wins Democracy Award for best Workplace Environment

    Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna wins Democracy Award for best Workplace Environment

    WASHINGTON,D.C. (TIP) : Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna has been honored with a Democracy Award by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) for outstanding achievement for the category of “Life in Congress”-Workplace Environment.
    The “Life in Congress” Workplace Environment category highlights offices that have established both formal policies and informal cultures that enhance the work-life fit and professional development of their staffs, according to a press release from his office.
    This is the second Democracy Award for Khanna who represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. His office won the 2019 Democracy Award in the “Constituent Service” category.
    “It’s an honor to receive this award for best workplace environment in Congress. I want to congratulate my incredible staff for working alongside me to create a positive and inclusive work environment,” said Khanna.
    “As a strong supporter of workers’ rights, it’s important to me to live my values and ensure that all employees in my office have fair wages and benefits and are treated with dignity and respect.”
    “I’m very proud of our team’s work over the years to make our office a top workplace on Capitol Hill. Each office is like a mini startup, “said Geo Saba, chief of staff in Rep. Khanna’s office. “There’s no centralized HR. This have given us the ability to be creative and reinvent what it means to work on the Hill.”
    “This award is the result of the work and efforts of everyone single member on the team who contributed to reimagining our office policies and creating a healthy work environment,” Saba added.
    “I’ve never worked in a more fun, kind, and people-centered workplace. We celebrate each other’s wins and help one another work through challenges. I’m grateful to work, learn and laugh alongside such wonderful colleagues,” said Sam Elghanayan, legislative aide in Khanna’s office.
    Among other noteworthy items, CMF included the following reasons for selecting Khanna for an award:
    “The office of Rep. Khanna appears to be an open and collaborative workplace, with Rep. Khanna cultivating an individual relationship with every staff member, encouraging staff to offer their recommendations and to ask him questions directly. Staff are continually invited to offer their ideas for everything from the Member’s policy positions to how to best connect our district’s needs to the DC office’s work.”

  • Indian American congressmen Ami Bera, Ro Khanna and Mayor Aftab Pureval among 50 National Advisory Board members in Biden’s 2024 campaign

    Indian American congressmen Ami Bera, Ro Khanna and Mayor Aftab Pureval among 50 National Advisory Board members in Biden’s 2024 campaign

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Two Indian American Congressmen Ami Bera and Ro Khanna along with Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval are among the 50 members of the National Advisory Board announced by the Biden-Harris Campaign on Wednesday, May 10. Former House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will serve as chairperson of the Advisory Board. The entire board will help the campaign’s efforts to build on and expand the winning coalition that sent President Biden to the White House in 2020, an official announcement said.
    “The stakes of this election couldn’t be higher,” Biden said. “Our freedom and democracy are on the line. I’m grateful to this group of diverse and dynamic leaders who will help us win the battle for the soul of America and finish the job for the American people,” he said. Bera is the longest-serving Indian American in the US Congress and Khanna is co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus. Pureval is the first ever Indian American and Tibetan-American to be elected as Mayor of a city in Ohio.
    According to the campaign, board members will participate in regular media interviews, assist with fundraising efforts and events, leverage their networks and platforms to amplify the campaign’s message to voters, and engage directly with voters through grassroots efforts and events in key battleground states.
    This initial group represents a cross-section of leaders in the party who reflect the Biden coalition’s diversity across many facets, with more members likely to come on board as the campaign builds and grows, it said.
    “Successful campaigns are always innovating and finding new ways to get their message in front of voters and accomplish the ambitious goals we set for ourselves,” said Biden-Harris spokesperson Kevin Munoz.
    “The Democratic Party is fortunate to have an incredible slate of passionate and compelling leaders, all of whom are united behind the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign.
    They are representative of the broad, diverse coalition of voters who came together in 2020 to deliver President Biden and Vice President Harris a historic victory, and we are so grateful for their dedication to helping this campaign prevail over the MAGA extremist agenda and help President Biden finish the job for the American people,” Munoz said.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian-American community leader urges US lawmakers to remove the 7 per cent country limit on green cards

    Indian-American community leader urges US lawmakers to remove the 7 per cent country limit on green cards

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): An eminent Indian-American community leader from Silicon Valley has urged US lawmakers to remove the prevailing seven per cent cap on green cards, observing that the country-specific limit on the most sought-after residency document has created extensive backlogs.

    A Green Card is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing in the country permanently. Speaking at the US-India summit held at the US Capitol on Wednesday, April 26, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, an entrepreneur and community leader, asked why there was a cap on the Green Card if not on an H-1 visa.

    “When we do not have a country’s limit on giving an H-1 visa to support our companies, businesses and economy. Why should we have a country cap limit on green card issuance,” Bhutoria said at the summit organised by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna in his capacity as Co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus.

    The per-country caps are numerical limits on the issuance of green cards to individuals from certain countries.

    Immigration law provides for approximately 140,000 employment-based green cards to be issued each year.

    However, only seven per cent of those green cards can go to individuals from a single country annually.

    If the number of individuals being sponsored from a single country is greater than seven per cent of the annual available total, a backlog forms and the excess approved petitions are not considered until a visa becomes available and their petition falls within the initial seven per cent per-country cap.

    “These country-specific caps have created extensive backlogs, forcing individuals from certain countries—primarily India and China in the employment-based categories— to wait much longer than average to receive their green cards, simply because of their country of origin,” he said. “We estimate that more than 880,000 people, including dependent spouses and children, are waiting in the US in employment-based green card backlogs.

    “In some categories, applicants who began the process in 2012 are just now able to file formally, meaning they may have waited more than a decade to join their families, even though they were already qualified to do so. These wait times are projected to extend up to 50 years if the law is not changed,” Bhutoria said.

    Making a detailed presentation, Bhutoria said that the number of students coming to the US from India on average is around 180-190 thousand per year. There are 85,000 H-1B work visas issued every year and out of which nearly 60 per cent of H-1B visas are issued via a fair lottery system to tech workers from India, so around 51,000-60,000 H-1B visas. The number of employment-based green cards issued to people from India is roughly around 7,000-8,000 per year due to the seven per cent country cap limit.This 7,000-8,000 includes dependents of primary applicants, so roughly 2,000 Individual H-1B applicants get green cards every year for people of India.

    Bhutoria said 180-190 thousand students from India come here to study, 50,000-60,000 get H-1B and only roughly 2,000 get green cards every year due to the country’s seven per cent cap limit, the rest applicants continue to live an uncertain life. “So the request is to remove the seven per cent country limit,” Bhutoria said.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna bows out of Senate race

    Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna bows out of Senate race

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American House of Representative member Ro Khanna, who was considering a bid for the US Senate has announced he will not be running for the upper chamber next year.
    Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in the Congress is instead endorsing fellow Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee and will co-chair her campaign in the competitive race to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
    Khanna, who was considering his own bid for the US Senate seat that Feinstein will vacate at the end of her term, told media he decided the House was “the best place” for him at the moment.
    “I have concluded that despite a lot of enthusiasm from Bernie [Sanders] folks, the best place, the most exciting place, action place, fit place for me to serve as a progressive is in the House of Representatives, and I’m honored to be co-chairing Barbara Lee’s campaign for the Senate and endorsing her today,” he said to media.
    “We need a strong anti-war senator, and she will play that role,” he said. Lee is facing off against fellow Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, who have each already picked up key endorsements, from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, respectively.
    As a leader in the House Progressive Caucus, Khanna’s endorsement could help Lee shore up progressive support in what’s expected to be a competitive — and expensive — race, according to a report.
    “I have respect for them,” Khanna said of Porter and Schiff, “but Barbara Lee is a unique voice. She was the lone vote against the endless war in Afghanistan. She stood up so strongly against the war in Iraq. She worked with me and stopping — trying to stop the war in Yemen and the war powers resolution.”
    Khanna also noted that there are currently no African American women in the Senate, and Lee would fill that void. “Frankly, Jake, representation matters,” Khanna told the media. “The other two are formidable candidates, but I think Barbara Lee is going to be very, very strong.”
    Feinstein, 89, the longest-serving woman in Senate history, announced her plans to forgo a 2024 bid last month.
    California’s primary system allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election regardless of party, a system that’s likely to pit two Democrats against each other in November 2024 in a solidly blue state.

  • President Biden, VP Harris and US lawmakers extend Holi greetings

    President Biden, VP Harris and US lawmakers extend Holi greetings

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris led the country in sending greetings to the Hindu community in the United States, in India and across the world on the occasion of Holi.

    While for several years now the festival of colors has been observed in various parts of the country, which many a times attracts thousands of participants like the one at Barsana Dham in Texas or in Atlanta and Florida, and lawmakers have been sending their greetings for quite some time now, this is for the first time probably the greetings of Holi has been broadcast from the White House.

    “I wish the happiest Holi to those celebrating love, laughter, goodness, and the arrival of spring during today’s Festival of Colors,” Biden said in a presidential tweet.

    “As we come together to mark the arrival of spring and celebrate the triumph of good over evil, may the vibrant colors of Holi brighten our world with joy, hope, and positivity. Happy Holi to all who celebrate,” tweeted Vice President Kamala Harris. Both of them had a colorful picture of Holi with the logo of the White House on it.

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed with his own tweet. “Wishing all celebrating a very happy Holi. May this festival of colors fill you with joy,” he said.

    As images of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo playing Holi at the residence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi went viral, several lawmakers extended greetings on the festival. “Happy Holi to everyone celebrating across the world! Hoping you have a bright and peaceful Festival of Colors!” said Senator Mark Warner, co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

    Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu said “Happy Holi” to the millions that celebrate in the United States and around the world! “Let us commemorate this festival of colors by remembering to see the light even in the face of darkness and to celebrate our differences as strengths. May the arrival of spring bring new beginnings, hope, and happiness to all,” she said.

    Congresswoman Grace Meng said Holi is a joyous occasion to revel in the arrival of spring and to celebrate the victory of good over evil. “In the spirit of Holi, I hope we can all find optimism in the conviction that good will prevail when we stand by our beliefs and step forward in unity. I am grateful for all things that bring our communities joy, peace, and strength. Happy Holi!” she said.

    Holi is a joyous celebration that welcomes spring and reminds us that good will always triumph over evil, said Congressman Ted Lieu. “As we celebrate the renewal of life that spring brings, I am hopeful that 2023 will bring us more light, peace, and joy. Wishing a happy and prosperous Festival of Colors to all!” he said.

    Ami Bera, the longest serving Indian-American Member of Congress, said Holi is the celebration of light vanquishing darkness and the triumph of good over evil. “This new spring season, let us recommit to spreading love and tolerance within our communities and celebrate the ties that bind us closer together,” the Congressman said. Influential Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal wished a happy Holi to all who celebrate in Seattle and around the world! “This is such a powerful time of year, as we come together to welcome in spring and new growth and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. I hope this holiday brings us all communion, love, and gratitude. Happy Holi!,” she said.

    “Happy Holi to everyone in CA-17 and around the world celebrating. Holi is a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and that there’s a bright future ahead for our country. I hope this year’s celebration brings you joy, renewal, and hope for the coming year,” said Congressman Ro Khanna.

    Congressman Andy Kim said even through the most challenging times, Holi signals a brighter future and reminds of the lasting triumph of good. “We hope this vibrant, spring celebration brings you and your loved ones together, to celebrate love and hope for a brighter future,” he said.

    Powerful Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said during this festival of colors, “let us take a moment to celebrate the arrival of spring and renew our commitment” to bringing peace and prosperity to all.

    “Happy Holi to Hindu communities in the East Bay and across the globe! The Festival of Colors is a celebration of good over evil, of light over darkness. May this special time bring you and your loved ones peace and joy as we enter spring,” Congresswoman Barbara Lee said.

    “As we celebrate the start of Holi, let us boldly affirm our commitment to unity, diversity, and inclusivity. This festival of colors reminds us that our differences are a source of strength, and that by coming together with love and respect, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us pledge to continue spreading the vibrant hues of happiness and togetherness, and to stand up against hate and division in all its forms. Happy Holi to all in Michigan and around the world!” said Congressman Shri Thanedar.

    “Happy Holi to all those celebrating in Southern California and across the country! This colorful festival brings communities together to celebrate the new spring season and its fortunes. I join my CAPAC colleagues in sending joy, positivity, and good wishes to you and your family,” said Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.

    Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel also sent in her Holi message. “Happy Holi to all Hindu, Sikhs, and Jains who are celebrating today. May this festival of colors bring much joy as you mark the arrival of spring and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Happy Holi!” she said.

  • Indian American Ro Khanna along with Mike Waltz elected co-chairs of House India caucus

    Indian American Ro Khanna along with Mike Waltz elected co-chairs of House India caucus

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Democratic lawmaker Ro Khanna and his Republican House colleague Mike Waltz have been chosen as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans in the 118th Congress. India Caucus is the largest country-specific bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the House of Representatives that is committed to strengthening the relationship between the two largest democratic countries of the world. Khanna, 46, is the second Indian American to be elected as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans since it was established in 1993. Congressman Ami Bera served as its co-chair during the 115th Congress (2015-2016).
    At that time, he was the only Indian American serving in the Congress. Now the number has increased to five: DR Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar.
    “I am honored to chair the India caucus and will look forward to involving the national Indian American diaspora in helping strengthen the US India relationship,” Khanna told media. The Indian American represents the 17th Congressional District of California. Last November he was elected for the fourth consecutive term. The media reported Congressman Andy Barr and Marc Veasey will serve as vice co-chairs. Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), who formerly served as chair, will serve as chair emeritus, a media release said.
    In the new Congress, the members will continue working to strengthen partnerships between policy makers and the Indian American diaspora communities and reduce India’s reliance on Russian defense systems.
    “A strong relationship with India is critical for our economy and national security. It is an honor to serve alongside my colleague Rep. Waltz as co-chair of the India Caucus,” Khanna said.
    “Serving in this role is especially meaningful to me as one of the first Indian Americans to lead the caucus as well as the only representative of an Asian American majority district in the continental United States,” he said.
    Congressman Waltz said that India is the world’s largest democracy and an important strategic partner for the United States. “That’s why I’m honored to serve as the Co-Chair of the House India Caucus this Congress to ensure we continue this partnership, strengthen political, economic, and security ties between our two countries, and protect democracies in Asia and worldwide,” he said.
    Congressman Barr said strengthening bilateral relations via trade and security as well as cooperation through the Quad, presents many opportunities to advance the two countries’ common interests.
    In an interview to media, Khanna said the Indian American diaspora can play an important role in helping strengthen the US-India partnership. “I think this is a historic moment for our community. I think we’re really emerging and coming into our own as a strong voice,” said the Congressman.
    Khanna told media that he is going to try to make the Caucus not just about India-US, but also the Indian American community and highlighting the contributions of that community.
    “I think being Indian America and being part of the community, knowing so many of the community leaders, knowing the passions and interests of young people, I’ll be able to do that,” he said.
    “Khanna says taking on this greater role in the India Caucus feels like the culmination of generations of work in the public sphere. His grandfather Amarnath Vidyalankar spent his life fighting for India’s independence from British rule, even spending a few years in jail for the cause. Vidyalankar became a member of India’s first Parliament after independence in 1947,” media reported. Congressman Sherman, who now takes the role of Chair Emeritus, said that he has long advocated for a strong US-India relationship and has worked to highlight the enormous contributions Indian Americans have made in this country. “There is no one more fitting that I could pass the torch of chairing this important Caucus to than Congressman Ro Khanna, along with Congressman Mike Waltz as Co-Chair – both stalwart advocates for the US-India relationship,” he said. “Moreover, I’m encouraged by our Vice Co-Chairs, Congressman Andy Barr and Marc Veasey, who will bring to the Caucus a stellar record of impassioned advocacy for the US-India partnership. I will continue on as Chair Emeritus and look forward to the work ahead of building upon this vital partnership and securing future prosperity between the United States, the world’s oldest continuous democracy, and India, the world’s largest democracy,” Sherman said.

  • Four Indian American lawmakers appointed members of key US House panels

    Four Indian American lawmakers appointed members of key US House panels

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Four prominent Indian American lawmakers — Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna — have been appointed members of three key House panels, reflecting the growing influence of the community in US politics.

    Congresswoman Jayapal has been named Ranking Member of the powerful House Judiciary Committee’s panel on Immigration, making her the first immigrant to serve in a leadership role for the subcommittee.

    Jayapal, 57, representing the 7th Congressional District of Washington State succeeds Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to serve on the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, a media release said.

    “As the first South Asian woman elected to the US House of Representatives and one of only two dozen naturalized citizens in Congress, I am honored and humbled to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement,” said Jayapal.

    “I came to this country when I was 16, alone, and with nothing in my pockets. After 17 years on an alphabet soup of visas to become a US citizen, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to live the American Dream, a dream that is out of reach for too many immigrants today,” she said.

    “It is extremely meaningful to me that I will now be in this position to better move the needle and re-center our broken immigration system around dignity, humanity, and justice. As I step into this role, I would also like to thank Representative Lofgren for her years of dedicated leadership on the Subcommittee, and look forward to continuing to work with her,” Jayapal said.

    Bera, 57, has been appointed as a member of a powerful US House committee handling intelligence-related matters.

    The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is charged with providing oversight of the country’s intelligence activities, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), National Security Agency (NSA), as well as military intelligence programs.

    “I am honored to be appointed by Leader (Hakeem) Jeffries to serve on the House Intelligence Committee, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and national security of the United States,” Bera said.

    A six-time Congressman, Bera represents the sixth Congressional District of California.

    “At a time of increased threats, both at home and abroad, I take seriously this new role and the responsibility entrusted to me to protect and defend American families,” he said.

    “With my decade of experience working on critical national security issues, I look forward to working with Committee members from both sides of the aisle to ensure our intelligence agencies are operating effectively to keep our nation safe,” Bera said.

    Bera also serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

    During the 117th Congress, Bera served as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation, where he spearheaded Congressional efforts to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific allies and partners to advance the US economic and security interests.

    Krishnamoorthi has been made Ranking Member of a newly created House committee on China that will investigate various aspects of Chinese behavior, its threat being posed to the US and the world.

    US House of Representatives Minority Leader Jeffries on Wednesday announced the appointment of Krishnamoorthi as Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Another Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna has also been made a member of this new committee, formed in the 118th Congress by Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for the specific purpose of investigating and developing policy to address the United States’ economic, technological and security competition with the Chinese Communist Party.

    Krishnamoorthi, 49, is the four-term Congressman representing the eight Congressional districts of Illinois, while Khanna, 46, is the four-term lawmaker representing the 17th Congressional district of California.

    “I am grateful to Leader Jeffries for appointing me to serve as Ranking Member on the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party,” said Krishnamoorthi.

    “The Chinese Communist Party poses serious economic and security threats to the United States and to democracy and prosperity across the globe, illustrated by its threats against Taiwan’s democracy, its weaponization of TikTok, and its theft of hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of American intellectual property,” he said.

    “I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties on this committee to counteract the CCP’s escalating aggression and ensure that our nation is prepared to overcome the economic and security challenges that the CCP presents to our country,” Krishnamoorthi said.

    He said it was important to protect the interests of the American people.

    “That said, at a time when anti-Asian hate and violence are on the rise, it’s essential that this committee focuses its vital work on protecting all Americans from the threat posed by the CCP, while avoiding dangerous rhetoric that fuels the types of xenophobia that have endangered members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” Krishnamoorthi said.

    Krishnamoorthi is also a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He is also the lead Democrat on Averting the National Threat of Internet Surveillance, Oppressive Censorship and Influence, and Algorithmic Learning by the Chinese Communist Party Act (ANTI-SOCIAL CCP Act), which protects Americans by blocking and prohibiting all transactions from any social media company in, or under the influence of, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and several other foreign adversaries.

    In the 117th Congress, he led bipartisan legislation that was signed into law, called the Gathering and Reporting Assessments Yielding Zero Overlooked Nefarious Efforts (GRAY ZONE) Act, which requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to produce a National Intelligence Estimate on different aspects of grey zone activities — actions that fall between ordinary statecraft and open warfare — that the PRC employs.

    Krishnamoorthi was also the lead Democrats on the bipartisan Transparency for Malign Chinese Investments in Global Port Infrastructure Act, which requires the DNI to study and report to Congress information related to Chinese global investments in port infrastructure.

  • Two Indian American lawmakers call for immigration reform to reduce green card backlog

    Two Indian American lawmakers call for immigration reform to reduce green card backlog

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Two Indian American lawmakers have urged their colleagues to make one more attempt to deliver long due immigration reform after the US House failed to pass the EAGLE Act eliminating 7% per country green card caps.

    “Our immigration system is broken and antithetical to our moral values as a country,” tweeted Pramila Jayapal, House member from Washington. “There’s still time left in this session to deliver long-overdue reform. We have to get this done.” “Per-country green card caps create lengthy backlogs to secure permanent status. For immigrants from India, this wait spans 150+ years,” she wrote in another tweet. “As someone who’s been on an H-1B visa, I’m proud to support the EAGLE Act to create a first-come, first-served system.”

    Ro Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley too was “disappointed to see that Congress has still not passed the EAGLE Act.”

    “I urge House leadership to bring it up for a vote before we adjourn this Congress to end arbitrary per-country green card caps and bring down our decades-long backlog for immigrants,” he tweeted.

    Rep Eric Swalwell was also “disappointed that the EAGLE Act, a bill to make our employment-based visa system fairer, hasn’t come for a vote in the House. Too many visa holders & their families are stuck in a green card backlog that arbitrarily discriminates against immigrants from certain countries.” Their comments were retweeted by Saurabh, a backlogged immigrant who tweeted his letter to Indian Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs “requesting them to issue a travel advisory for F1 & H1-B” – visa used extensively by Indian students and skilled workers.

    “The environment in the US is not suitable for Indians and it is our moral duty to educate students and high-skilled workers against traveling & engaging with US institutions,” he tweeted

    Coreena Enet Suares noted “700,000 Indian expats await Green Cards. Waiting time to receive a PR for an Indian applying today, is 90 years and around 80,000 children are expected to age out before their parents receive permanent residence.”

    David J. Bier, associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, a Washington think tank also urged the Biden administration “to act aggressively to prevent the depopulation of the United States by skilled Indian immigrants.”

    “Now that EAGLE Act is dead, and Congress is dead for at least 2 years. The admin needs to act aggressively to prevent the depopulation of the United States by skilled Indian immigrants,” he tweeted.

     

  • Two Indian Americans at center of Hunter Biden’s laptop story

    Two Indian Americans at center of Hunter Biden’s laptop story

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Two Indian Americans – Congressman Ro Khanna and Vijaya Gadde – prominently figure in US President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden’s laptop story whose full disclosure Twitter CEO Elon Musk has announced would be released on the microblogging site. Musk, the world’s richest man who purchased Twitter last month, said on Friday, December 2,  that he would release details about what he characterized as Twitter’s “suppression” of a controversial story done by the New York Post newspaper about Hunter Biden’s laptop that was published before the 2020 US election. He also tweeted that it would be “awesome” and there would be a “live Q&A” on the topic. The story claimed to contain emails retrieved from a laptop belonging to Hunter. The New York Post said it learned of the emails’ existence from Trump’s ex-White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and obtained the emails from Trump’s personal lawyer at the time Rudy Giuliani.

    Twitter initially limited the distribution of the story, citing concerns that it could be the result of a foreign disinformation campaign. But the social media company quickly backtracked on its response, with then-CEO Jack Dorsey calling the decision to block the link “unacceptable.” Khanna is the Democratic Congressman representing Silicon Valley in the US House of Representatives, while Gadde, an attorney, served as general counsel and the head of legal, policy, and trust at Twitter, before she was fired by new boss and CEO Musk.

    A series of tweets along with internal communications of Twitter was released by writer Matt Taibbi regarding the allegations that the social media platform during the 2020 election cycle had suppressed news and information related to the laptop of Hunter. According to the information released by Taibbi, Khanna appears to have questioned the decision of Twitter to restrict access to an investigative report of the New York Post newspaper on the laptop of Hunter. As the information started coming in, Musk in a tweet said: “Ro Khanna is great”. Khanna in a confidential email to Gadde opposed the so-called censorship by Twitter.

    “I say this as a total Biden partisan and convinced he did not do anything wrong. But the story now has become more about censorship than relatively innocuous emails and it’s become a bigger deal than it would have been,” Khanna wrote to Gadde. “In the heat of a presidential campaign, restricting dissemination of newspaper articles (even if New York Post is far right) seems like it will invite more backlash than it will do good,” Khanna wrote to Gadde and requested her not to share the text of their emails. Khanna said that such a move by Twitter seems to be a violation of the 1st Amendment principles. “If there is a hack of classified information or other information that could expose a serious war crime and the NYT was to publish it, I think NYT should have that right. A journalist should not be held accountable for the illegal actions of the source unless they actively aided the hack,” Khanna said. In response to Khanna’s email, Gadde defended Twitter’s policy and its decision on the Post story. “We put out a clarifying threat of Tweets earlier this evening to explain our policy around the posting of private information and linking directly to hacked materials,” she wrote.

    “The press secretary’s account was not permanently suspended – we requested that she delete the tweet containing material that is in violation of our rules and her account is restricted until she complies,” Gadde wrote to Khanna. Taibbi wrote that some of the first tools for controlling speech were designed to combat the likes of spam and financial fraudsters. “Slowly, over time, Twitter staff and executives began to find more and more uses for these tools. Outsiders began petitioning the company to manipulate speech as well: first a little, then more often, then constantly,” Taibbi wrote.

    “By 2020, requests from connected actors to delete tweets were routine. One executive would write to another: ‘More to review from the Biden team.’ The reply would come back: ‘Handled,’” he noted. According to Taibbi, both parties had access to these tools. For instance, in 2020, requests from both the Trump White House and the Biden campaign were received and honored. However, this system wasn’t balanced, he wrote. “It was based on contacts. Because Twitter was and is overwhelmingly staffed by people of one political orientation, there were more channels, more ways to complain, open to the left (well, Democrats) than the right,” he said in one of the tweets.

    “The resulting slant in content moderation decisions is visible in the documents you’re about to read. However, it’s also the assessment of multiple current and former high-level executives,” Taibbi said.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna introduces standalone bill in US House of Representatives for CAATSA waiver to India

    Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna introduces standalone bill in US House of Representatives for CAATSA waiver to India

    WASHINGTON, D.C (TIP): Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has introduced a standalone bill in the US House of Representatives seeking a waiver to India against the punitive CAATSA sanctions, asserting that it is in the best interests of both countries to deter “aggressors” in light of Russia and China’s close ties.

    The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a tough US law that authorizes the US administration to impose sanctions on countries that purchase major defense hardware from Russia in response to Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections.

    The resolution, which has also been endorsed by Congressman Brad Sherman and David Schweikert along with Khanna, has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary action.

    “While India faces immediate needs to maintain its heavily Russian-built weapons systems, a waiver to sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act during this transition period is in the best interests of the United States and the United States-India defense partnership to deter aggressors in light of Russia and China’s close partnership,” it said.

    A similar legislative amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was introduced by Khanna, a Democrat, this summer and it was passed by the House with bipartisan support.

    “I first introduced this as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act and now I am proud to introduce it as a standalone bill to continue to build momentum and support for it. It is necessary for us to pass this in order to strengthen the relationship between the US and India and deter aggressors like China,” Khanna told media.

    The resolution asserts that India faces immediate and serious regional border threats from China, with continued military aggression by the government of China along the India-China border.

    While India has started importing the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, US President Joe Biden is yet to take a call on CAATSA waiver sanctions. Under the existing laws, the president can give a national interest waiver to countries. Khanna said that this is a strong bill to affirm the US and India defense partnership.

  • Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna introduces legislation in US House on CAATSA sanctions waiver to India

    Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna introduces legislation in US House on CAATSA sanctions waiver to India

    WASHINGTIN, D.C. (TIP): Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has introduced a legislative amendment in the US House of Representatives, seeking a waiver to India against the punitive CAATSA sanctions for its purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, underlining that this will strengthen the US-India defense ties and deter “aggressors.” CAATSA is a tough US law that authorizes the administration to impose sanctions on countries that purchase major defense hardware from Russia in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections. The law was brought in 2017 and provides for punitive actions by the US government against any country engaged in transactions with the Russian defense and intelligence sectors. In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defense missile systems, despite a warning from the then-Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

    “While India faces immediate needs to maintain its heavily Russian-built weapons systems, a waiver to sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) during this transition period is in the best interest of the US and the US-India defense partnership to deter aggressors in light of Russia and China’s close partnership,” says the legislative amendment moved by Khanna, the Democratic lawmaker from California.

    “The historic amendment will strengthen the US-India defense partnership and ensure that India does not face crippling sanctions at a time when we need to build the alliance,” Khanna told PTI, a day after introducing the legislation. It is an utmost significant and urgent initiative to bolster the US-India relationship, he said. The legislative amendment says that India faces immediate and serious regional border threats from China, with continued military aggression by the Chinese government along the India-China border.

    Noting that India relies on Russian-built weapons for its national defense, the legislative amendment says that the United States should take additional steps to encourage India to accelerate its transition off Russian-built weapons and defense systems while strongly supporting India’s immediate defense needs. The US has not yet made any decision on potential sanctions or waivers to India under CAATSA law, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in April. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that India was pursuing an independent foreign policy and its defense acquisitions are guided by its national security interests.

  • Indian American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna asks India to condemn Putin, stop buying Russian oil

    Indian American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna asks India to condemn Putin, stop buying Russian oil

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has reiterated his call to India to give up its neutral stance and condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invasion of Ukraine.

    Going a step further, he wanted India to stop buying oil from Russian and China and get weapons from the US instead of Russia even as he acknowledged that the US needed India to ultimately contain China.

    “I’ve been clear actually on India, and I think India ought to be condemning Putin and India ought not to be getting oil from Russia or China,” Khanna said in an interview with Fox News Sunday.

    “We ought to rally the world around to isolate Putin,” said Khanna, who is also the vice chair of the US India Caucus, the largest country-specific caucus in the House of Representatives.

    “First India should condemn Putin in the UN for the blatant human rights violations,” he said. “Second, they need to realize, they have to pick sides.”

    “We, the United States, were with them when China invaded India. Putin wasn’t there,” he said.

    “And it’s time for them to buy weapons from the United States, not Russia,” said Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in the House. “We’ve got to look at how we can facilitate that and make that easier,” he said noting, “We need India as an ally ultimately to contain China.” In a recent interview with the American Bazaar too, Khanna had asked India to clearly pick sides with a free enterprise democracy over Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship.

    “I think my position is supported by most Indian Americans. They believe and understand what I do,” he had said.

    “We have to strengthen the relationship,” Khanna said. “We have to have the defense relationship even more strengthened so that they’re not reliant on arms from Putin, but that they are more building and buying from the United States.” “And most people in Silicon Valley at least want to strengthen the US India relationship,” Khanna told the American Bazaar. “Want to see them clearly pick sides with a free enterprise democracy as opposed to dictatorship which is what Putin is.”

    In the interview with Fox News, Khanna also defended President Joe Biden’s off the cuff remarks that Putin “cannot remain in power” even as he made clear that the US policy is not regime change, but a negotiated end of war.

    “US policy is not regime change. It’s negotiated end of this war,” Khanna said noting that the White House had been quick to clarify the US position.

    “They have been disciplined and said there has to be negotiated end of this war,” he said. “It’s a Democratic house and it has been Democratic policy for the last 20 years.” Defending Biden, Khanna said any human being would express frustration over the bombing of women and children in Mariupol. “The President was speaking from the heart. But it’s not the US policy to seek the regime change,” he asserted. Biden’ ad-libbed words — “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power” — in Warsaw Saturday at the end of a European visit – created a firestorm around the world and sent US officials scrambling to clarify the US position.

  • Indian American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna asks India to condemn Putin, stop buying Russian oil

    Indian American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna asks India to condemn Putin, stop buying Russian oil

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has reiterated his call to India to give up its neutral stance and condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invasion of Ukraine.

    Going a step further, he wanted India to stop buying oil from Russian and China and get weapons from the US instead of Russia even as he acknowledged that the US needed India to ultimately contain China.

    “I’ve been clear actually on India, and I think India ought to be condemning Putin and India ought not to be getting oil from Russia or China,” Khanna said in an interview with Fox News Sunday.

    “We ought to rally the world around to isolate Putin,” said Khanna, who is also the vice chair of the US India Caucus, the largest country-specific caucus in the House of Representatives. “First India should condemn Putin in the UN for the blatant human rights violations,” he said. “Second, they need to realize, they have to pick sides.” “We, the United States, were with them when China invaded India. Putin wasn’t there,” he said.

    “And it’s time for them to buy weapons from the United States, not Russia,” said Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in the House. “We’ve got to look at how we can facilitate that and make that easier,” he said noting, “We need India as an ally ultimately to contain China.”

    In a recent interview with the American Bazaar too, Khanna had asked India to clearly pick sides with a free enterprise democracy over Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship. “I think my position is supported by most Indian Americans. They believe and understand what I do,” he had said. “We have to strengthen the relationship,” Khanna said. “We have to have the defense relationship even more strengthened so that they’re not reliant on arms from Putin, but that they are more building and buying from the United States.”

    “And most people in Silicon Valley at least want to strengthen the US India relationship,” Khanna told the American Bazaar. “Want to see them clearly pick sides with a free enterprise democracy as opposed to dictatorship which is what Putin is.”

    In the interview with Fox News, Khanna also defended President Joe Biden’s off the cuff remarks that Putin “cannot remain in power” even as he made clear that the US policy is not regime change, but a negotiated end of war.

    “US policy is not regime change. It’s negotiated end of this war,” Khanna said noting that the White House had been quick to clarify the US position.

    “They have been disciplined and said there has to be negotiated end of this war,” he said. “It’s a Democratic house and it has been Democratic policy for the last 20 years.” Defending Biden, Khanna said any human being would express frustration over the bombing of women and children in Mariupol. “The President was speaking from the heart. But it’s not the US policy to seek the regime change,” he asserted. Biden’ ad-libbed words — “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power” — in Warsaw Saturday at the end of a European visit – created a firestorm around the world and sent US officials scrambling to clarify the US position.

  • Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna expresses disappointment over India abstaining UNSC resolution on Russia

    Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna expresses disappointment over India abstaining UNSC resolution on Russia

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Prominent Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has expressed disappointment over India’s decision to abstain from the UN Security Council resolution on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, saying it is the US and not Russia that will stand with New Delhi against China’s current expansionist plans. India, China and the United Arab Emirates on Friday, February 25,  abstained from the US-sponsored resolution against the Russian aggression which was vetoed by Moscow. As many as 11 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council voted in favor. Five countries—the US, the UK, Russia, China and France—are permanent members of the council and have veto powers. India is a non-permanent member and its current two-year term expires this year.

    “In 1962, President (John F) Kennedy stood with India against China’s invasion. It is the US, not Russia, that will stand with India against China’s current expansionist plans,” Khanna tweeted on Friday, February 25. “This is the time for India to stand with the free word against Putin. Abstention is not acceptable,” said the three-term Democratic Congressman from California.

    Echoing Khanna, Congressman Eric Swalwell also termed India’s move as “disappointing”.

    “Rep Ro Khanna and I represent the largest Indian-American districts and this vote is contrary to what we hear from our constituents. Indian-Americans believe in territorial integrity and human rights,” said Swalwell, who is serving as representative for California’s 15th congressional district that covers most of eastern Alameda County and part of central Contra Costa County.

    Abstaining from the UNSC resolution that “deplores in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine, India on Friday said dialogue is the only answer to settle differences and disputes. In the country’s explanation of vote in the Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said New Delhi is “deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine and urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities”.

    He said that no solution can ever be arrived at, at the cost of human lives. “Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution,” Tirumurti said.

  • Indian American lawmakers & top Biden admin members celebrate ‘Diwali’ at US Congress

    Indian American lawmakers & top Biden admin members celebrate ‘Diwali’ at US Congress

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Led by Indian American lawmakers, top members serving in the Biden administration and a select group of community members from across the country gathered to celebrate the festival of lights, ‘Diwali’, at the US Congress, the temple of democracy.

    Reflecting on the emergence of this small but influential community in the American socio-political spectrum, lawmakers praised the contribution of Indian Americans in the development of the US and highlighted the significance of Diwali in a post-COVID-19 world.

    ”We, for the last almost two years, have been in the midst of a pandemic that has turned our lives upside down. Many of us, myself included, have sustained losses of family and friends. I know many of you have as well, whether it’s family here, family back in India or in the diaspora or around the world. We have suffered heavy losses,” US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy said at the event.

    ”But one of the things that concerns me most about the last few years is another type of pandemic, the invisible pandemic that we are in the midst of. That’s a pandemic of polarization where it feels increasingly people have turned against each other, where they’ve demonized one another, called each other evil and treated each other as so. That’s a particular kind of darkness,” he said. The Capitol Hill Diwali celebration was organized by Indiaspora in association with several community organizations. Remembering the teachings of his mother, Dr Murthy said Diwali is supposed to be a day about light conquering darkness.

    ”She would always say Vivek, people you encounter in America will come from different faiths and traditions. But remember that the light of God exists within each one of them, always, regardless of where they’re from,” he said.

    ”When I think about Diwali, I think about it in that context. Can we remember the light that exists within ourselves and one another? Can we not allow it? Can we not allow that light to be expunged because we happen to be on the other side of the political spectrum as somebody else or hold different views from them. This is as much a challenge here, as it is back in India and in many countries around the world,” Dr Murthy said.

    Indian American Congressmen Dr Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal addressed the gathering and greeted the community on the occasion. ”I’m very proud to say that I’m the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the United States House of Representatives. Hopefully I’m not going to be the last and there are going to be many, many more of us to come,” Jayapal said. The Congresswoman also said that the last three months have been rough for her and her family. Congresswoman Judy Chu said that President Joe Biden has appointed a record number of Indian Americans in his administration.

    ”President Biden is ushering in a new era of Asian Americans, especially Indian American representation. For instance, he named Dr Vivek Murthy to serve on his cabinet as a Surgeon General. Just last week, he made the historic move to name Neera Tanden as a White House staff secretary, one of the highest positions in the White House,” she said.

    ”And of course, just one year ago, we shattered one of the highest glass ceilings of all when Kamala Harris, the daughter of an Indian immigrant, was sworn in as the first woman Asian and Black vice president in history,” she said.

    Popular African American singer Mary Milben, who especially flew in from California to attend the Diwali celebrations, mesmerized the select audience with her rendition of ”Om Jai Jagdish Hare” which went viral last year. Milben announced that she would be travelling to India next January. ”India has truly become my family and my friends. So, it’s a joy to be here in the nation’s capital to celebrate this wonderful, spiritual and beautiful holiday that so many speakers have already talked about. It is a beautiful moment for cultures and faiths to come together and celebrate during this moment: Light over darkness the beauty of this beautiful holiday,” Milben said.

  • Indian American Lawmaker Welcomes US Government Decision

    Indian American Lawmaker Welcomes US Government Decision

    WASHINGTON (TIP):  An Indian American Democratic lawmaker on Monday, April 26,  welcomed the US government’s decision to provide material and healthcare help to India in its fight against a spike in COVID-19 cases, but said this is “no time for symbolism” or “lip service” and the Joe Biden administration must act now.

    India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. “The Biden administration’s commitment that it will export raw materials for the Indian manufacturer of the Covishield vaccine is a welcome decision,” Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said.

    “However, this is no time for symbolism, half-measures or lip service. We must act now,” he asserted.

    The Biden administration had come under criticism from several quarters, including from members and supporters of the Democratic Party, for not releasing surplus COVID-19 vaccines to India when the country was experiencing its worst-ever public health crisis. India had urged the US to supply the raw materials for manufacturing the Covishield vaccine. Following the criticism, US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan in a telephonic call with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Sunday affirmed America’s solidarity with India.

    After the phone call, Emily Horne, spokesperson of the US NSA, underlined that America is “working around the clock” to deploy available resources and supplies and has “identified sources of specific raw material urgently required for Indian manufacturer of the Covishield vaccine that will immediately be made available for India”.

    Mr Krishnamoorthi, who is also the chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, said it is imperative that the US government double down on its commitment by exporting these materials expeditiously, by opening its stockpile of AstraZeneca vaccines currently sitting unused on shelves.

    He said the US government should also follow the actions of other countries this weekend by shipping medical supplies, including oxygen concentrators, to help treat COVID-19 victims in India and other nations hardest-hit by the deadly virus. India logged a record of 3,52,991 new coronavirus infections in a day on Monday, taking its total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,73,13,163. The death count increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 daily new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

    “The Lend-Lease Act of World War II states that America could lend or lease supplies to any nation deemed vital to the defense of the US. This is no different. We are fighting a war together with India, Argentina and others. We can only defeat COVID-19 by defeating it everywhere. Our success in ending this pandemic hinges on the leadership of the US and our ability to help allies in need,” said Krishnamoorthi, who also serves on the House Oversight Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

    Meanwhile, Ro Khanna, another Democratic Indian American Congressman, said international cooperation and humanitarian assistance are the hallmarks of a truly progressive foreign policy.

    “In the face of apocalyptic numbers of COVID-19 cases and new variants exploding in India, I applaud the Biden administration’s decision to put people over profits and provide additional Personal Protective Equipment, oxygen and other medical supplies to India,” he said.

    Mr. Khanna said he is pleased to see the USAID’s (United States Agency for International Development) work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expedite the mobilization of emergency resources for India through the Global Fund.

    “This must be done with the utmost speed and urgency,” he said, adding that the Biden administration can still do more, like give India its stockpile of AstraZeneca vaccines that won’t be used in the US.

    The government should facilitate the Indian community in America to help assist hospitals in India. It can also call on Pfizer and Moderna to provide an intellectual property waiver for six months to a year as India grapples with this health crisis, Mr. Khanna said.

    “The White House should also convene Indian business leaders to make the case for why this is in these companies” long-term strategic interest. Many Indian American business leaders such as Vinod Khosla are happy to make the case to them why this is a good business decision,” he said.

    The Democratic lawmaker noted that Khosla has committed to financially help any hospitals in India in need of supplies and will also be speaking with the India Caucus leadership to discuss what else can be done to assist.

    “This is a very tough time for the Indian people and underscores the continued threat of COVID-19. These new strains of the virus are gravely alarming and could pose a threat here in America and across the globe if we do not do all we can to contain the virus and its new variants,” Mr Khanna said.

    US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy said the aid extended by the US to India includes raw material for vaccine production, therapeutics, rapid diagnostic kits, ventilators, oxygen generation and related supplies, financial support for vaccine manufacturing expansion and deployment of American public health teams.

    “This is an important step forward,” Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said, thanking Joe Biden for recognizing that “our fates” are all tied together.