Washington:
Indian-American Democratic legislator Ro Khanna and his Republican House colleague Mike Waltz have been elected 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 legislators in the House of Representatives dedicated to strengthening the relationship between the world’s two largest democratic countries.
Mr. Khanna, 46, is the second Indian American to be elected co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans since its inception in 1993. Congressman Ami Bera served as co-chair during the 115th Congress (2015-2016). ).
At the time, he was the only Indian American to serve in 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 Indian caucus and look forward to engaging the national Indian-American diaspora in strengthening the relationship between the US and India,” Khanna told PTI.
The Indian American represents California’s 17th congressional district. He was elected to his fourth consecutive term last November.
First reported by NBC News, Congressman Andy Barr and Marc Veasey will serve as vice co-chairs.
Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), who previously served as chairman, will serve as chairman emeritus, according to a press release.
In the new Congress, members will continue to work to strengthen partnerships between policymakers and the Indian-American diaspora communities and reduce India’s dependence on Russian defense systems.
“A strong relationship with India is crucial to our economy and national security. It is an honor to work alongside my colleague Rep. Waltz to serve as co-chair of the India Caucus,” Mr Khanna said.
“Filling this role is especially meaningful to me as one of the first Indian Americans to lead the caucus, as well as the sole representative of an Asian-American majority district in the continental United States,” he said.
Congressman Waltz said India is the world’s largest democracy and an important strategic partner for the United States. “Therefore, I am honored to co-chair the House India Caucus this Congress to ensure we continue this partnership, strengthening political, economic and security ties between our two countries and protecting democracies in Asia and globally.” he said.
Congressman Barr said strengthening bilateral relations through trade and security, as well as cooperation through the Quad, offers many opportunities to advance the two countries’ common interests.
In an interview with NBC News, Mr. Khanna said that the Indian Americans can play an important role in strengthening the partnership between the US and India. “I think this is a historic moment for our community. I think we are really emerging and coming into our own as a strong voice,” the congressman said.
Mr. Khanna told NBC he will try to make the Caucus not just about India and the US, but also highlight the Indian-American community and the contributions of that community.
“I think being Indian-America and being part of the community, knowing so many community leaders, knowing the passions and interests of young people, I’ll be able to do that,” he said.
“Khanna says taking on this expanded 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 prison for it. Vidyalankar became a member of India’s first post-independence parliament in 1947,” reported NBC News.
Congressman Sherman, who now takes on the role of chairman emeritus, said he has long advocated for a strong relationship between the US and India and has worked to highlight the tremendous contributions Indian Americans have made in this country.
“There is no one more suited to whom I can pass the torch of chairing this important Caucus than Congressman Ro Khanna, along with Congressman Mike Waltz as Co-Chair – both staunch supporters of the US-India relationship,” he said.
“Additionally, I am encouraged by our Vice Co-Chairs, Congressmen Andy Barr and Marc Veasey, who will bring to the Caucus a great track record of passionate advocacy for the US-India partnership. I remain Chairman Emeritus and look forward to the work ahead to build on this vital partnership and secure future prosperity between the United States, the world’s oldest continuous democracy, and India, the world’s largest democracy,” Sherman said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is being published from a syndicated feed.)
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