U.S.-INDIA RELATIONSHIP: BIDEN MUST NOT LET PROGRESSIVES RUIN IT FOR US

Democrats’ push to bring ‘caste’ into US politics, their opposition to India’s CAA, and the revocation of Article 370 have alienated many Indian Americans. Democrats’ overt support of racial quotas, diversity, and equity, and the scrapping of standardized tests in college admissions also hurt Indian Americans.

- AVATANS KUMAR

When India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York on 20 June 2023, aboard Air India One, India was the world's most populous democracy and the third-largest economy based on purchasing power parity (5th in nominal GDP). It was also the first time in US history that an Indian American was already second in line to occupy that coveted chair in the Oval Office. Moreover, two children of Indian American immigrants were in the race to unseat President Biden next November. Also, for the first time.

Mr Modi was in the US on his 3-day state visit, his eighth to the US as India's PM. As usual, Mr Modi kept a tight schedule from the get-go. He was President Biden's and the First Lady Dr Jill Biden's guest at the White House for a state dinner. Mr Modi led the International Day of Yoga event under the aegis of the United Nations. He addressed the joint sitting of the US Congress and participated in a joint press conference with POTUS Biden. He met with several intellectuals, thought leaders, and business and tech executives.

Before boarding his night flight to Egypt, PM Modi's last stop was the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington, DC. The rumour was that a significant diaspora event would happen in Chicago. But evidently, things did not work out. Due to security concerns, the organizers had to move the event inside to a much smaller area at the Reagan Building.

Despite setbacks, there was no shortage of excitement. People from all walks came to D.C. dressed in their Indian best. “The phenomenal response to this event suggests Diaspora’s support for the deep commitment to a close partnership between these two great nations,” said Bharat Barai MD, the spokesperson of the US Indian Community Foundation. The Foundation had organized the event.